Winners, all

Heritage High School was the scene of competition and courage on April 25 as the Area 15 Special Olympics Track and Field Competition was held.

The special day began with a parade of athletes and was followed by the opening ceremony and then the athletic competition.

Area 15 Special Olympics coordinator Cookie Crowson said the community gets behinds the event every year. "The volunteer response continues to be amazing for this event year after year," she said. "Over 280 volunteers registered to provide assistance during the event."

The Area 15 Special Olympics Program is open to Blount County citizens age 8 years and older. The stated goal of Special Olympics is "to help persons with intellectual disabilities participate as productive and respected members of society at large, by offering them fair opportunities to develop and demonstrate their skills and talents through sports training and competition, and by increasing public awareness of their capabilities and needs."

Schools and centers throughout Blount County participate in the events.

Parks & Rec conducts seven athletic competitions throughout the year.