Ohio track finals to include wheelchair athletes

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Ohio High School Athletic Association will allow wheelchair athletes to compete at a state tournament for the first time next year.

The association's board on Thursday approved a recommendation to add eight wheelchair championship events in track and field. Girls and boys would compete separately in the 100 meters, 400 meters, 800 meters and the shot put. Participants will wear school uniforms and be awarded individual honors but won't score points for their teams.

The top eight boys' and top eight girls' performances in each event during the regular season will qualify eligible athletes to participate in the state finals regardless of their schools' athletic division assignments.

The athletic association says Ohio will be among about a dozen states that include wheelchair athletes in a state tournament.