OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY) -- The St. Landry Parish School Board hosted a track meet on Tuesday in collaboration with Louisiana Special Olympics at Northwest High School.

Exceptional Students From Beau Chene, Northwest, Port Barre, North Central, Opelousas, and Eunice Participated in the first annual St. Landry Parish Special Olympics.

After opening ceremonies concluded, the students displayed their skills in events such as Long jump, softball throw, tennis ball throw, and meter relays.

St. Landry Parish director of special education Alvado Willis said that she’s happy to see the turnout for this year and excited to see more participants in next year’s special Olympics.

“It’s just so fulfilling to look at the athletes, just have a good time and just watch all of the children interact together and just be excited to participate." Alvado said. "They’re not crying. They’re not shy. They’re believing that they are winners and they are just in full speed. Just full of excitement and that means a lot for us to see that. These are our students. We believe in them."

After an uplifting day full of smiles and fun, Willis is looking forward to organizing another Olympics to be bigger and better.

"We have our standards set really high and we’re looking forward to next year as we add more grades to this special event to eventually have our entire exceptional student body participating in the Special Olympics.” Willis said.

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