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Let the games begin
Inaugural event features 31 competitors
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Thirty-one competitors took the field Saturday in the inaugural McMinnville Special Games, an event aimed at providing athletic competition and fellowship for people with disabilities.“There’s literally nothing for them to do here,” said co-organizer Holly McBride. “Aside from bowling on Thursday nights, we have nothing for them.”McBride said the need for an outlet for adults with physical and mental disabilities led to some concerned citizens getting together and organizing the first-year event which was held at Nunley Stadium.The areas of competition included a softball throw, broad jump, 50-yard dash and wheelchair race. The competitors were all encouraged by scores of friends, family and supporters who gathered around cheering each participant.Later in the afternoon, carnival games were offered, making it a day-long event.“Everybody loved it,” McBride said, noting she and most volunteers were moved to tears during the opening march when the participants entered the stadium.