Ninety athletes from Red River and surrounding parishes competed in the Louisiana Special Olympics Red River Area Athletics Meet hosted by Northwestern State University Tuesday. Competitors, who ranged in age from children to adults, participated in a variety of track and field events that began with a torch run to open the ceremonies.

Ceremonies began with a torch run and the Special Olympics oath: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” NSU’s President’s Leadership Program adopted the Special Olympics three years ago as a community impact project and enlisted help from NSU students and staff, Natchitoches Central High School and St. Mary’s School to host the games.