The Special Olympics New Hanover County Special Games kicks off at Ashley High School

NEW HANOVER COUNTY (WWAY) — The Special Olympics New Hanover County Spring Games began on Thursday at Ashley High School.

There were more than 200 adults taking part, along with about 250 volunteers.

Somes of the events held included the 100-meter run, a softball toss, and a 4-person relay toss.

Brooke De’Amaral is with the Special Olympics.

She said these games are the premier event for these athletes to display their skills in a competitive setting.

“So this, for a lot of our athletes, this is the only sporting competition that they get,” De’Amaral said. “So they practice all year. They come out, they show they are incredibly fast runners, they can throw so, so far. I think its so important to show that we believe they can do anything that they put their mind to.”

The games will continue on Friday with New Hanover County students taking part, with more than 350 students expected to participate.