Article Image Alt Text

Ali Estay enjoys the ride in the Special Olympics 25-meter wheelchair assisted race.

Article Image Alt Text

Jorman James of Patterson High, accompanied by Cherish Lewis of Berwick High, carries the Olympic torch on the last of four legs around the track.

Article Image Alt Text

Karianna Hutcherson of West St. Mary has the lead over Carolee Haydel of Glencoe Charter.

Article Image Alt Text

The race is on in a 25-meter wheel-chair assisted heat.

Article Image Alt Text

Boudreaux Middle students await the start of Friday's events.

Article Image Alt Text

An M.E. Norman Elementary student named Abigail celebrates on the medal stand.

Article Image Alt Text

Rezzie Free of Berwick Elementary has a red ribbon.

Article Image Alt Text

Freddie Thomas of West St. Mary has a blue ribbon and a big grin on the medal stand.

St. Mary Special Olympics at Patterson High

Fri, 04/12/2024 - 12:20pm

Scores of competitors came from across St. Mary Parish to Patterson High on Friday for the annual Special Olympics.

The track and field events, run with the help of dozens more student volunteers, are staged to demonstrate the goal of the games for young people with physical and developmental challenges: "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."

The Special Olympics were founded by the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation. Nationwide, the games attract more than 4 million competitors and 1 million volunteers each year.

The Review/Bill Decker