The annual GPE Fun Day was held Tuesday at the George P. Evans building.

The event for special needs children from schools in the city and county and students and staff from Cahaba Mental Health and West Alabama Rehabilitation, filled the room.

Keith High School cheerleaders and the Dallas County High School band also performed at the event, which the Selma Fire Department assisted.

Selma City Schools Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams praised former Selma Mayor George Evans for his dedication to the area’s student body.

“I think it’s wonderful,” Dr. Williams said. “This is a man who values the community and understands that all children are our future.”

Courtney Utsey, Special Education Director for Selma City Schools, said happy children can often brighten a person’s day.

“When you’re having a bad day, watching these babies enjoy themselves is good for the soul,” Utsey said. “The Selma Firefighters also do a good job working with our babies.”

Evans, who served as Selma’s Mayor from 2009 to 2016, worked with special needs kids as superintendent of Dallas County Schools and former city council President.

Evans said he’s thrilled to hear praise from Williams, Utsey, teachers and the community about his event.

“It brings joy to my heart to see the kids having fun and hear people praise the event,” Evans said. “This event fulfills me. It also lets me know that this is a good idea. It won’t go away anytime soon because I’m no longer Mayor. It makes me feel good to hear teachers look forward to this event every year.”

Selma city council President Corey Bowie, councilwomen Angela Benjamin and Jannie Thomas and councilman Sam Randolph also appeared.

In connection with fun day, the ninth annual GPE Golf Classic will be held Wednesday at the Valley Grande Golf Course. Proceeds from the tournament goes to support special needs children in the area, including Cahaba Mental Health, West Alabama Rehabilitation Easter-Seals, Selma City Schools and Dallas County Schools.