Athletes from around the region challenged themselves in the spirit of friendly competition Wednesday at the Special Olympics Missouri Southeast Area spring games at Poplar Bluff Junior High School.
The event, which has been held at the school for at least 15 years, gives local athletes overcoming physical and/or intellectual barriers a chance to compete in Olympic style track-and-field events for medals, recognition and just for fun.
Penny Williams, development director for Special Olympics Missouri, says the all-abilities-inclusive games give everyone an opportunity.
"Everybody deserves an opportunity to train and compete, and sometimes our athletes don't get that opportunity. Special Olympics says 'you can do it, and you will do it and you will achieve success,'" Williams said.
"So that's the purpose of the games, to get people out and recognize our athletes are citizens of this community. They train and come out here and we raise their self esteem by seeing them excel in competition," she said.
Williams says each event features athletes of similar skill level in order to cultivate a level playing field.
"The neat thing about Special Olympics is there is something for every ability level. Their coaches work very hard in submitting scores ahead of time so we can generate competition where they are competing against athletes at the same or close to their level," Williams said.
More than 200 athletes from 15 different schools in the region took part in men's and women's running, jumping, throwing and other skilled events. Volunteer/competitor Daniel Fultz of Richmond, Kentucky has been participating for almost 20 years and says the games are something he always looks forward to.
"I love the games and I've been doing it since 1998. I came out to just help out because I've got too many gold medals," Fultz laughed.
Athlete Lucke Blatter of Advance, Missouri, says the event gives him a chance to socialize and stay fit and healthy.
"I like to do it for the exercise and getting to meet athletes from other places in the state, also having fun and watching the smiles on everybody's faces when they win," he said.
Special Olympics is a long-favorite charity of the Missouri State Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies, who support the games through the Torch Run, Polar Plunge and other fundraising activities.
Trooper Conrad Purnell said supporting the athletes reflects the patrol's mission of helping others.
"We back it because it stands for a good purpose. We like to show we are not just out there writing tickets everyday. This is one of the many ways we can show that we are out there helping people," said Purnell.
Poplar Bluff High School Student Council and the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps also assisted with the day's activities. Student council manned a "Victory Village," complete with games for contestants and supporters to enjoy.
"Special Olympics is the charity of choice of student council and we do a lot of activities to support them, because it's what we need to do," said student council advisor Hope Conover.
Principal Bob Case, who during opening ceremonies was honored by Special Olympics for his commitment to the games, said the school has been happy to provide an opportunity for the athletes for now more than 15 years.
"All kids - it doesn't make any difference if they have difficulties, challenges, emotional, physical or what - deserve opportunities like this. We are happy to provide that opportunity for them to be here, compete, have fun and learn some life skills," he said.
The event, organizers said, would also not be possible without the support of many in the community who provide funding and time to the non-profit organization. For more information on supporting Special Olympics visit somo.org or email williams@somo.org.