In front of the largest crowed and volunteers ever, the 32nd edition of the Special Olympics went off perfectly.

State Representatives Darrio Melton and David Colston, joined Clarence Harrell and Charls Henderson running in the torch to set off runners and competitors at 10 a.m.

“It went off great,” Cahaba Center executive director Lafon Barlow said. “I was so pleased with how everything went today. This is the first time that we have had representatives come and that is just very encouraging. I can’t believe they made the time to come, even though they were in session.”

The events themselves went off with great success under the shade of clouds and cool breeze as volunteers packed the stadium to make the events quickly.

“We were very blessed because the community helped us so much at it,” Barlow said. “Schools have given their students and bands, food and drinks were provided as well. We’ve had drinks before, but not food.”

The events themselves, which are the last until the state competition in Troy in May, went well according to Cahaba Center coach Floyd Sanders.

Joined by a new set of clients from Chattolm, the races were as competitive as ever between the new group and Cahaba Center’s athletes, even though that isn’t the only reason for the events.

“This isn’t about winning or losing,” Sanders said. “These events are about giving the clients a chance to go out there and have a good time and make friends. To be recognized as the competitors they are. No one was hurt and we finished on time. You can’t as for much more than that.”

As competitor after competitor crossed the finish line with a smile on their face, Sanders looked up and said, “This is what its all about.

“Just looking at the smiles makes it all worthwhile. Like the Special Olympics motto says, “Let me win, but if I can not win, let me be brave in the attempt.” These clients showed that perfectly today.”