FORT SILL, Okla. (April 7, 2016) -- For the sixth year the Great Plains Special Olympics took place at Fort Sill. This year's event was April 1 at Prichard Field and had 121 children enrolled to compete in categories such as runs, walks, a wheelchair race, shot put, softball throw and more.

"These kids come out to participate and have fun and to see their friends and cheer each other on," said Donna Sparks, Great Plains Special Olympics area director. "These kids with disabilities don't have the opportunities to participate in regular sports and this gives them a feeling of confidence. It builds confidence."

Sparks said the event is a time for the children to not only compete with one another but to spend time with their friends while being healthy. The early cold weather combined with wind concerned Sparks but she said the children were unfazed.

Military personnel began the torch run at the intersection of Quinette and Randolph roads carrying it to Prichard Field where they handed it to Malcom Lindsey, 13, from MacArthur Middle School in Lawton who ran a lap on the track then carried the torch to the stage to start the opening ceremony.

The Olympics took the effort of many organizations both on and off Fort Sill. Soldiers served as battle buddies to many of the children including the Stars of the Future children, ages 3 to 7. Those children were paired, one-on-one with a Soldier who helped them through an obstacle course and stations at Honeycutt Fitness Center. They also helped encourage the child athletes as they competed in their categories.

"What impressed me the most this year was how the Soldiers lined the track," said Sparks. "I was working in the registration tent; I knew someone was coming down the track. Just the roar of the Soldiers, I was almost in tears. It was wonderful."

Each participating school was designated a military liaison who contacted the teachers the week before. Sparks said the teachers were told how the Soldiers were looking forward to working with the children and that the children, in return, enjoyed having Soldiers with them and that many could be seen holding their hands.

"It's just unbelievable the participation that we had," she said. "I think (the children) loved it. You can tell by their faces."

The night prior to the event Darlene Strauch, special educational personal care assistant at MacArthur High School along with other volunteers, met at Country Mart on 9th Street to make 400 sandwiches for the children. While track and field only occurs once a year, many other events take place in the interim to include bowling, unified volleyball and basketball and swimming.

"Unified is when you pair an athlete with a peer and they compete together in a sport," she said. "Like in bowling, you'll have one partner plus the athlete."

Those athletes who participated in the Special Olympics' track and field are invited to attend the state games in Stillwater, Okla., May 11-13. Sparks said the Lawton-Fort Sill area is taking 130 athletes. Those who volunteered in the Special Olympics event on Fort Sill are welcome to volunteer for other activities. Sparks said to call her at 580-351-7422 for more information.

"That's what's good about Special Olympics," she said. "Once you do it, you don't ever want to quit."