NORMAL (25News Now) – Once again, Illinois State University in Normal hosted the Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games from June 7. through June 9.

With over 15,000 participants and attendees, many athletes got to showcase their skills in power lifting, soccer, swimming, artistic and rhythmic gymnastics.

Special Olympics Athlete, Kate Nelson has been competing in the summer and winter games since 2015, and is doing the four by 100 meter walk relay and shot put.

Nelson adds that she’s competed in a variety of sports such as snowshoeing, golf skills, and track and field.

“My team got fourth place in our walk relay this weekend,” she said. “Then I got fourth place for shot put. The important thing is that we’re coming out to have fun.”

Taylor Reidel has been competing for 27 years, and is doing bocce this year.

She says competing has been one of the best experiences, and it means a lot to have her coaches and family’s support.

“I did running, walking relays, and javelin throw,” said Reidel.

Reidel adds that she loves the friendly atmosphere and meeting other athletes.

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Coleman Hawkins, a 6-foot-8 forward from Illinois, sure would look good on Kansas State frontcourt.

Earlier this week, the Wildcats added Ugonna Onyenso, a 7-foot center from Kentucky.

Hawkins recently pulled out of the NBA draft and has decided to continue to play college basketball.

Getting Hawkins from the transfer portal could take K-State to another level. According to CBS Sports reporter Cameron Salerno, it could happen. Salerno posted on his X account that Hawkins is no longer visiting Louisville, but will visit K-State this weekend.

Judging by what he accomplished last season, Hawkins will help any team he joins. He averaged 12.1 points and 6.1 rebounds.

Hawkins helped Illinois reach the Elite Eight where it lost to eventual national champion UConn. Hawkins scored five points and pulled down four rebounds in that game.

The fact that Hawkins cancelled a visit to Louisville and will visit K-State is a good sign for the Wildcats.

So far, the spring has been very good for K-State men’s basketball coach Jerome Tang. He also picked up Achor Achor from the transfer portal a few weeks ago. Achor led Samford in scoring last season, averaging 22.6 points.

In his last game for Samford, a 93-89 first round loss in the NCAA Tournament to Kansas, Achor scored 23 points and grabbed eight rebounds.

“He is a terrific basketball player, as his mobility and versatility make him a mismatch nightmare,” Tang said of Achor. “He’s been part of a winning culture at Samford, along with his NCAA Tournament experience, and will add great value to our locker room. I know our fans will enjoy getting to know him. The passion he plays with is infectious.”

In the next week or so, Tang might be saying similar word for Hawkins if he decides to come to K-State.