Athletes and volunteers gathered April 25 for the 2016 Special Olympics Beaufort/Hyde spring games, held in the Choppy Wagner Stadium at Washington High School.

WITN’s Dave Jordan served as master of ceremonies and presided over the parade of athletes, during which participants from local schools and adult programs were welcomed onto the field. Washington’s own Derik Davis offered the invocation, and Somer Elizabeth Scott sang the National Anthem.

Elizabeth Willis, a spirited Special Olympics athlete who attends P.S. Jones Middle School, read the athletes’ oath, “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” Taking part in the traditional torch run during the opening ceremonies were athletes Chris Waters, LifeQuest Inc.; Amiayah Whitley, John Small Elementary School; Keshawn Green, P.S. Jones Middle School; and Mikayla Holley, Southside High School. They were joined by troopers Matthew Myers and Conner Wilson of the N.C. Highway Patrol.

School-age and adult athletes competed in a variety of games including softball/tennis ball throw, walks and races, standing and running long jumps and shot put. Olympic Town offered athletes such activities as face painting, crafts and the chance to dunk deputies from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.

Local businesses, civic organizations, churches, schools and individuals generously contributed funds, time and products to make this year’s games a success. Athletes are now preparing for the summer games planned for June in Raleigh.

For more information about area Special Olympics activities, contact local coordinator Eric Sedlacek at 252-217-1102 or visit sonc.net/beaufort-hyde.