Special Olympics held at UNCW

Hundreds of Special Olympians gathered for the annual spring games Wednesday at UNCW.

They took part in track and field events like dashes, jumping events, and wheelchair races.

More than 100 volunteers from businesses and organizations helped out.

Wednesday’s games served as a qualifier. Twenty-five of the top athletes will be selected to join a travel team to go to Raleigh.

It was a fun time for athletes and spectators alike.

“It’s a great feeling just to see all the children out here participating in it and it gives you great joy that they put something like this on so the community can get involved, it’s just great, it’s excellent,” said Billy Wines, parent of a Special Olympian.

The Special Olympics continue Thursday with the adult athletes competing.