There have been a lot of important games and events that have taken place at Athens High School’s football stadium throughout the years, but perhaps the most important event that takes place there each year happened last Friday, as the latest renewal of the Limestone County Special Olympics was held at the old stadium.

The event had to be postponed a week due to stormy weather that washed out the original date of April 6, but the skies were blue and the temperature was warm for the event April 13. More than 200 special needs students from schools in Athens and Limestone County took part, as well as some from the Birdie Thornton Center as well.

The only thing warmer than the temperature was the atmosphere from the special needs athletes and their families, the volunteers and the event organizers who made it happen.

Students with special needs often aren’t able to play sports or even go outside and play at recess with other children. Playing an organized sport or playing outside with friends is such an important part of a child’s life, and it is painful for those special needs students and their families when they aren’t able to take part.

That’s why the Special Olympics are so important. It gives those students an opportunity to shine on a stage that is just for them, and do so in front of a crowd that is cheering them on. It also gives their families and friends an opportunity to watch their special athlete participate and see the joy it gives him or her.

The smiles on the faces of not only the athletes, but everyone else there, from the family members to the volunteers to the students who buddied up with the athletes and cheered them on as they participated in the events told the story of how special that day was to everyone.

Event organizers Annie Granger and Jessica Tyler should be commended for the work they do each year to benefit the special needs students of Athens and Limestone County. But it took many more volunteers to make the event happen as well. Student organizations from different schools pitched in, and the Lions Club also helped with the concession stands.

It was a great day for the community spirit in Limestone County to shine through for a worthy cause.

About 40 athletes will advance to participate in the State Special Olympics at Troy University, with the top two or three finishers in each event getting a place at the state event.

But the Special Olympics is not about winning events. It is about participating and getting the opportunity to do something that might not have been possible otherwise.

For that reason, all 200-plus athletes who participated last Friday are winners. That all shared an experience they will remember for the rest of their lives.

Jeff Edwards can be reached at jeff@athensnews-courier.com.