Five Special Olympians from Kentucky won 14 medals at the World Games in Athens, Greece.

The athletes, including two from Central Kentucky, returned to cheering well wishers at Bluegrass Airport Wednesday.

Ryan Barts, of Georgetown, won a silver medal in the long jump. Collin Lutz, of Nicholasville, won two silver medals in swimming. Both communities had rallied to help the athletes raise money to attend the competition.

Representing the United States of America "meant a lot to me," said Barts. "It was a dream come true and it was a very great experience."

Gymnasts Lee Dockins of Russellville and Danielle Blakeney of Erlanger each won five medals. Josh Alexander of Union won a gold medal in bowling.

The games, held every four years, ran from June 25 through July 4 and featured 7,500 athletes from 180 countries.

Reach Mary Meehan at (859) 231-3261 or 1-800-950-6397.