St. Joseph golfer prepares for Special Olympic games

ST. JOSEPH, Mo (KQTV) -- A Special Olympics athlete of over 45 years is gearing up for this year's Special Olympics U.S.A Games.

Darrin Ellis is ready to represent team Missouri in the game of golf.

"My journey with Special Olympics started back in 1979, my freshman year in high school," Ellis said. "I used to bowl, softball, and basketball, but then I fell in love with the game of golf."

Ellis will be accompanied to the games by his coach, Mitchell Curran.

"I'm just excited for Darrin, and we have four other athletes in our area that are going," Curran said. "Since I'm the coach, I'm really excited to watch Darrin shoot well."

The sendoff for Darrin, Mitchell, and all of the other athletes competing in the games will be held at city hall in St. Joseph from 9 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 18.

This years games are held in Minneapolis, Minnesota.