A glimpse at the Gaston County Special Olympics spring games

The energy on the football field at North Gaston High School was positive last Friday as students, friends and parents filled the stands to watch Gaston County’s Special Olympics spring event.

Gaston County students with special needs of all ages had an opportunity to enjoy the sun while participating in an activity that worked for them.

On the far end of the field near the concessions stand, elementary school kids surrounded a rainbow colored parachute, lifting and lowering it while taking turns running underneath.

Meanwhile, older kids participated in a relay race, or patiently waited for other contests like the tennis ball throw.

Regardless of the activity in which each child was engaged, smiles were visible from the stands.

Shannon Morrone, the mother of one Forestview freshman participating in the event, was happy to see her daughter, Lillian Allen, being celebrated, she said.

Morrone sat near the bottom row of bleachers during the event, cheering for Allen, who lit up and began dancing when she noticed.

When asked what it meant to see Allen on the field, Morrone said it feels fantastic.

Allen has struggled with medical issues in recent months, according to Morrone.

“Seeing her moving around and being celebrated has been fantastic,” she added.

Morrone was not the only attendee that was happy to cheer.

Following an athlete parade, Special Olympics oath and comments from special guests, several relay races kickstarted the games.

Each child crossed the finish line to a cheering crowd.

Special Olympics Gaston County serves nearly 400 children and adults with intellectual disabilities throughout the county and hosts large-scale events yearly.

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: A glimpse at the Gaston County Special Olympics spring games