By By Kerry Whipple Bean
publisher
A series of Olympic games on Friday featured competitors who smiled nearly every step of the way down the track.
Special education students in kindergarten through high school from schools all over Escambia County gathered at W.S. Neal High School’s football stadium for the annual Special Olympics games, which included races on foot and in wheelchairs; softball and Frisbee toss games; and other activities.
They cheered each other’s successes — each step in a race, each toss of a ball.
Teachers were joined by other school officials, high school students and volunteers to run the games.
Students enjoyed lunch from McDonald’s and a visit from Ronald McDonald himself during the games.
W.S. Neal Elementary School Principal John Knott and Pollard-McCall Junior High School Principal Hugh White shared emcee duties for the day.
Knott said the effect on the students is obvious from the looks on their faces.
Knott said the experience of Special Olympics translates to the classroom when students go back to school.