BASKETBALL AND SOCCER: A new and exciting inaugural event is set to change the sporting profile of Gladstone today and tomorrow.

A group of 80 Special Olympics athletes from Central Queensland and beyond will showcase their basketball and soccer skills.

The Gladstone Branch of Special Olympics Australia have been planning this inaugural event for many years and hope that it will be the start of an annual highlight in the regional events calendar, designed to bring visitors to the Gladstone region and inspire its athletes.

"This unique event for Gladstone will offer our Central Queensland athletes the chance to showcase their sporting abilities and provide the opportunity to learn from visiting athletes," Special Olympics Gladstone chairperson Suzie Lawler said.

"We all benefit from positive role models and grow our own confidence and ambition by being exposed to the successes achieved by others."

The public is welcome to attend the free event which will start with basketball at 1pm today at the PCYC. Soccer games start at 9am tomorrow at the Clinton Soccer Fields.