Athletes from around the Valley are gearing up for the Special Olympics that take place in Richmond this weekend. Staunton resident Bob Anderson and his father, Bobby, have been preparing for the Special Olympics for months.

Bobby says, "All this week, the athletes are trying to get just mentally prepared and physically prepared, because it's a long week for most of them."

Bob, a softball player, looks forward to catching up with old friends and hopefully, winning another medal.

He says says, "I have a lot of medals."

Bobby says the games are a heart-warming experience.

He says, "They've got abilities that most people aren't aware of, and when you see them accomplish something, be it very small or a huge event, it really kind of reaches down in and grabs you."

Win or lose, Bob knows the motto of the games is to have fun.

He says, "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."

There are fundraising events for the Special Olympics if you would like to participate.

On Wednesday, officers from the Waynesboro Police Department will be serving as waiters at the Mossy Creek Restaurant in Fishersville. All of their tips will be donated to Special Olympics.

On Thursday, a car wash will be held at the BP Gas Station on Route 250 in Staunton and the proceeds from that will also go to the Special Olympics.