The Red River Games Special Olympics opened with a torch run for athletes who competed in track and field events, arts, crafts and field day games at Northwestern State University on March 19.

Athletes from CENLA, East Natchitoches Elementary, Fairview, Goldonna, Lakeview, Marthaville Natchitoches Central, Natchitoches Junior High, Natchitoches Magnet, NSU Middle Lab, Provencal, Red River, Weaver and Natchitoches ARC participated.

Red River Parish had 15 athletes who participated in the event.  Events included running, walking, wheelchair races, tennis ball throw, softball throw, and standing long jump.  

Special Olympics was presented by NSU First Year Experience and Presidential Leadership Program, University Police and Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Department with contributions from several student groups, BOM Bank and Natchitoches City Police with parents, teachers and volunteers supporting the athletes and cheering them to the finish line.

This year’s theme was “Wild About Special Olympics Day.” Opening ceremonies were dedicated to the late Lt. Amanda Fournier, long-time Special Olympics volunteer.