ROANOKE, Va. – Hundreds of Roanoke Valley athletes are taking center stage in a sport that goes beyond the field.
More than 350 middle and high school students and adult athletes from 39 schools and group homes competed in the Special Olympics Big Feet Meet at William Fleming High School.
Crowds cheered as track and field winners took the podium and proudly accepted ribbons in front of friends and family.
“I did the softball throw and the run," said Joshua O’Dell, a participant at the Special Olympics.
“This is a way of kicking off the school year and reminding people to help break down the barriers that may have kept them apart,” said Nancy Morehouse, an organizer at the Special Olympics.
The Big Feet Meet is held annually for adults and children, while the Little Feet Meet allows kids in preschool through fifth grade to compete in the games.