It's going to be an exciting weekend for for several area athletes in the Foothills as the Special Olympics get underway in Medicine Hat  on July 7th.

High River swimmers Kenny Gaudry, who likes to swim the front stroke and the butterfly, and Misty Hirst who competes in the back stroke and freestyle, can't wait to get in the pool.

Gaudry has a special swimming hero he looks up to.

"I want to be like Michael Phelps, because he is my favourite," said Gaudry.

Misty Hirst has been training hard for the competition.

'I'm really doing good on my swimming,' said Hirst. "I want to be the best I can be, and win some medals and meet some new people, and cheer on some people."

"When I win that medal I am going to be so excited."

There are seven athletes going to the competition and they will be participating in the opening parade and staying at the Olympic Village.