Andrew Hunt takes a moment to look at his first place ribbon after completing a 50-meter walk at St. Pauls High School's Special Olympics Thursday. Staff photo by Lucy Newman

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Austin Oxendine tosses a tennis ball out into the field during the Tennis Ball Toss event at St. Pauls High School Track and Field area Thursday. Staff photo by Lucy Newman

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Camillia Bullard of Oxendine Elementary School in Maxton focuses her strength to throw a shot put as far as she can into the field during the Saint Pauls Special Olympics Thursday. Staff photo by Lucy Newman

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Gladys Smith of Robeson County Community College Rowland Compensatory Education smiles as she waits for her name to be called to receive a ribbon for completing the Bocce event with her team RCC Mustangs Thursday at St. Pauls Special Olympics. Staff photo by Lucy Newman

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Jaron Johnson of Tanglewood Elementary School knees a soccerball to volunteer Amanda Powell of St. Pauls High School during the Special Olympic's event Thursday. Staff photo by Lucy Newman

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Kaitlyn Hodges of Fairmont Middle School giggles as she gets a boost from her mother Michelle, right, and racing partner B.J. Sanders toward the finish line at the Assisted Dash event Thursday. Staff photo by Lucy Newman

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Students and teachers of Pembroke Elementary School cheer for their classmates participating in a variety of Track and Field events at St. Pauls High School Thursday. Staff photo by Lucy Newman

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Shane Jones of Pembroke Middle School takes a giant leap at the Standing Long Jump event during the Special Olympics Thursday. Staff photo by Lucy Newman

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ST. PAULS — More than 100 Special Olympics athletes gathered Thursday to compete in track-and-field style events at St. Pauls High School.

“Every child is a winner with Special Olympics,” said Sandra Evans, the Robeson County coordinator. “It brings together the school, the parents, and the community, all to support a special needs child.”

The day started with a parade around the track, with the athletes touting school banners, and then a lighting of the torch by volunteers. About 80 volunteers helped run the events.

All the participants were from Robeson County.

“I think it helps build their self-esteem as far as a sense of accomplishment,” said Johnny Hunt, the superintendent of the Public Schools of Robeson County. “It provides our students a chance to participate when they don’t normally get to.”

The Special Olympics strives to provide year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. It was founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in Washington D.C.