TOWSON, Md. - Members of the Tiger men's basketball team spent their weekend hanging out at the Special Olympics Summer Games, which were held at the Towson Center.

Some 1,400 athletes from around the state took part, with 800 volunteers on hand to help run the event, including Towson men's basketball players Jamel Flash, Jerome Hairston and Kris Walden.

"We had so much fun getting out there and interacting with the athletes," said Walden. "I know it meant a lot to them for us to be there, but it actually meant even more to us. Their smiles made us have so much fun!"

On Friday, to kick off the event, the university hosted a pep rally at the university's Auburn House Pavilion, followed by an opening ceremony, 7:30-8:45 p.m., at the Towson Center.

During the weekend, athletes competed in Aquatic events, track and field, bocce, cheerleading and softball.

The athletes started their training three months ago, working three times a week to advance to the games.