Every spring, Shelby High School football field is the home to the Cleveland County Special Olympics. Each participant is awarded medals for their participation. It all happens to constant cheering, encouragement and applause. The smiles and eyes that light up from all the participants is the greatest reward for all.
If you are fortunate enough to attend or be a part of the annual event, consider yourself blessed.
The Special Olympics was founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in 1968. Presently it is the the world's largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, providing year-round training and competitions to more than 4.4 million athletes in 170 countries. It has come a long way since Eunice Kennedy Shriver held her first Special Olympics in the yard of her home in Maryland.

Pictured: In the Wheelchair Chair Slalom race, Hannah Conley took the Gold medal for first place and Tyrick Mance took the Silver medal for second place.

-M.A. Andrews