Special Olympics holds rally at State Capitol

Special Olympics athletes and their fans were in the Kentucky State Capitol Monday afternoon, celebrating 45 years in Kentucky.

In 1970, the Special Olympics held its first track meet in Kentucky, with just 100 people. Now the organization supports more than 7,000 athletes across the state.

Supporters were also trying to raise support for House Bill 178. The bill, if passed, would add a check-off box to the Kentucky State Tax Return, allowing people to easily donate a portion of their tax refund. The donations would help fund the organization, which does not receive any state funding.

A number of people spoke in support of HB 178, including two athletes and Olympic bobsledder Dallas Robinson. Robinson was the only person from Kentucky to compete in the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi. He supports and volunteers for Special Olympics Kentucky.

Four Special Olympics athletes from Kentucky will compete in the World Summer Games being held in Los Angeles.