BRADFORD, Pa. -- The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will host the Special Olympics swim meet Friday morning at the Paul C. Duke III Aquatic Center. 

The meet is set to begin at 10 a.m. and go until 1 p.m.

This year, Special Olympics chapters from four different counties will be competing: McKean, Elk, Warren and Potter.

McKean County Special Olympics has been practicing at the Pitt-Bradford pool for the past eight weeks under the tutelage of the college swim team.

"This is a very special day for all these athletes to see their hard work from the past several weeks come to fruition in their big regional meet," Head Men's and Women's Swim Coach Doug Alban said. "Many of the athletes are trying to qualify for the Pennsylvania State Games and I am honored to be able to help them achieve their dreams. We will have many volunteers from the swim team and across the athletics department at this event that want to show their true blue and gold to assist those in the community. It is truly a great day to be a Panther!"

The athletes will compete in the 25-freestyle, 50-freestyle, 25-backstroke, 50-backstroke, 100-relay, assisted swims and pool walks.

Medals will be awarded for the first through third-place finishers with ribbons given to the fourth through sixth-place finishers.

Athletes are competing for spots at the Special Olympics Pennsylvania State Games, which are held June 6-8 at Penn State.