The Cahaba Center Special Olympics will celebrate its 40^th anniversary on Wednesday at Bloch Park.

The competition will be held from 10 a.m. until noon. A parade will start the event with someone carrying the torch. Athletes will compete in games, which include a softball throw, shot-put, dashes and kickball.

“Many of our athletes practice all year for this exciting day and look forward to their names being called out as they participate in many events,” Cahaba Center Disabilities Service Director Tammy Till said. “It gives them a sense of independence and pride that carries much further than just the realm of Special Olympics. The life lessons learned of never giving up, hard work, and setting goals carry much further than Special Olympics.”

Till said 50 athletes compete in the Special Olympics as well as producing between 250 and 300 community volunteers that assist. Till also said many local clubs, organizations and school donate their time.

Till said the Special Olympics helps unite the community.

“The Special Olympics has a way of bringing everyone together for one common goal,” Till said. “The community has been so supportive over the years and the event continues to grow each year.  This event is a blessing to all who participate and attend. By having so much community involvement it brings awareness to others about how individuals with special needs are a vital part of our community and how we are a lot more alike than different.”

Cahaba Center serves individuals in Dallas, Perry and Wilcox counties.