The Special Olympics were greeted with warm weather and an enthusiastic crowd Friday, causing everyone to walk away smiling.

Children and adults with disabilities participated in a variety of sports and games from wheelchair racing, bocce ball, track and field and softball throws, all in hopes of winning first place and going to the State Special Olympics. Win or lose, participants, volunteers and spectators found it a rewarding experience that was “just plain fun.”

“The weather was great; games went well; everyone was happy,” Moni Sheehan, whose nephew, Anthony participated in races, said Friday.

Anthony, 16, won gold running the 100-meter dash and silver in the softball throw, but he said his favorite part of the day was just spending time with his uncle and seeing his friends.

“He loves being with his buddies and his classmates,” Anne Royteck, Sheehan’s aunt, said. “This really means a lot to him.”

Scott Rhoads, 30, won first place in the long jump and the race-walk. He has participated in Special Olympics for 12 years but the hopes of going to state and the pizza parties keep him coming back.

The activities started at 9 a.m. and continued until 3 p.m. A parade began the day and award ceremonies were held throughout the day for winners.

Eddie Flexter, 20, who won fifth place in the one-meter dash and second place in the softball throw, said he liked winning and competing with other people.

“We have good coaches, good walkers and they cheer for us to help us out,” he said. “I had a lot of fun. I hope we get to come back and win state.”

Many volunteers left the stadium with the same positive attitude. Eastern students and local high school students helped with every aspect of the event, from setup to parking assistance, while others dedicated the day to cheering on participants and keeping them motivated.

“I felt like I was helping out and making a difference for someone,” Denise Glick, a senior elementary education major, said.

Others hoped what they learned at Special Olympics would stay with them and allow them to gain valuable experience for the future.

“I want to go into the medical field when I’m older, so I really like helping out others and making a difference,” Allu Roberts, 17, a senior at Shelbyville High School, said.

“I love being around these people; I’ve always liked doing this,” she said.