The 40^th annual Cahaba Center Special Olympics was filled with excitement from the athletes and supporters at Memorial Stadium.

The event got underway Wednesday with a parade as Selma Mayor Darrio Melton, Dallas County Sheriff Mike Granthum and Dallas County Probate Judge Jimmy Nunn walked alongside a participant who carried the torch. Athletes from various areas, including the Cahaba Recreational Center, followed suit.

“This is our 40^th year, it keeps getting bigger and bigger,” Cahaba Center Disabilities Service Director Tammy Till said. “We get a lot of support from the community.”

The games included a softball throw, dashes shot put and kickball.

Marvin Hale of the Cahaba Center track team said it was a great day for competition.

“I love competing in this event and hanging out with my friends,” Hale said. “I appreciate the people who put on this.”

Cahaba Mental Health Executive Director Carrie Bearden said it’s enjoyable watching the athletes compete.

“The Special Olympics appeal to everyone,” Bearden said. “Everybody is given an opportunity to compete if they want to, and everybody gets to feel like they win, which is great.”

The Special Olympics had several local sponsors: Dave’s Market, Cougar Oil Stores, EM Graphics, KFC Selma, Cotton House, Miller Funeral Service and Domino’s Pizza Selma.

Several local organizations volunteered their services, including students from Keith High School, Morgan Academy, Meadowview Christian School, Dallas County High School and Southside High School. Several students said it was an enjoyable learning experience.

“It means a lot to come and help,” Keith High cheerleader Chasity Rayford said. “We had a chance to help people and make them feel good and treat them like they’re no different than we are.”

“It feels great to come out and help the Special Olympics,” Morgan Academy’s Mary Ashlyn Pearce said. “It makes me happy to see the athletes have fun.”

Dallas County Sheriff Mike Granthum, Dallas County Commissioner Valerie Reuben, Selma City Council President Corey Bowie and Vaughan Regional Medical Center CEO David McCormick were among those in attendance.