The day got started with Master of Ceremony James Reno announcing each school’s participating athletes as they paraded around the track.

That was followed by the National Anthem, which was sung by the New Braunfels High School and Long Creek High School Choirs as the color guard from the JROTC program also were on hand.

Guest speakers included NBISD Superintendent Dr. Laurelyn Arterbury and NBISD Executive Director of Special Education Nina Houston.

Dr. Arterbury added, “This is my favorite event of the year!”

Members of the New Braunfels Police Department and Comal County Sheriff’s Department served as torch bearers during the opening ceremony.

The Athletes Oath was recited by Sebby Watson of NBHS, Lars Reininger of LCHS, Avery Cecala of New Braunfels Middle School and Mackenzie Villenueva from Oak Run Middle School.

The Mighty Unicorn Band played as the participants entered the field.

Events include relay races, the slalom and the softball toss. Smiles, laughter and high-fives were seen on the faces of many students who served as athletes and volunteers.

The mission of Special Olympics Texas is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

NBISD has been hosting the Special Olympics track and field event for elementary, middle school, high school and transitional program students for around four decades.

To compete in the Special Olympics track and field meet, students must at least be in the third grade. For more information about the Special Olympics, please visit sotx.org.

A full gallery of photos from this event and others can be found in the NBISD Photo Gallery.