Baldwin County holds 2013 Special Olympics

FAIRHOPE, Ala. (WALA) - Baldwin County’s 2013 Special Olympic Games kicked off Friday, March 8, as local law enforcement officers passed the torch to athletes inside Fairhope Municipal Stadium.  After a lap around the track, the games began as hundreds of participants headed to the field. 

It’s an opportunity for these student athletes to shine in front of their family and friends.  Organizers said this year’s games are bigger than ever.

“We have about 300 athletes that participate. This year we have over 400 volunteers that participate…not only from the schools, but from throughout the community,” said Dawn Frenette with Special Olympics.

From the softball throw to the track, the competition was fierce. The athletes had lots of support.  Schools from throughout the county brought teams to cheer on their classmates and of course families came in force sporting signs and yelling cheers of encouragement.

Photos: Baldwin County Special Olympics

“We are here to support her to make sure that she knows that even if she don’t win, she’s still a winner in everybody’s eyes,” Samantha Gardner said of her niece Brook.

“This is an amazing day for Brody. This is his day to shine. He finally gets to have his moment like every other kid does,” said Brody’s proud mother after he finished his dash event.

As races finished and kids took their turn at the winners block, one thing was very clear. No one seemed to be disappointed no matter how they finished.  The reality is, no matter where the kids crossed the finish line, they all came out on top.

“They’re all are winners. They’re all winners. Yeah, it’s fun,” echoed two teachers from Daphne East Elementary.

“In anybody’s eyes, they’re all winners,” Gardner remarked. “God put them here for all of us to know that they’re special, and they’re winners in everybody’s eyes.”

The Special Olympics in Baldwin County has been going on for over 20 years. Organizers said they want to thank the Kiwanis Club for providing food for the athletes and all of the other sponsors and volunteers that made the event possible. The Special Olympics is open for challenged Baldwin County school children ages 8 and up.