The opening ceremony
West End Optimist Club President Gary Wise, center, assists his son and Thomas Jefferson High School senior Joey Wise, left, and Rue Elementary School fifth-grader Ally Torres with the torch lighting during the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics Iowa Southwest Area Spring Games at Iowa Western Community College on Thursday, April 12, 2018. Nearly 400 athletes from seven counties competed in the games.
The Special Olympics torch
Rue Elementary School fifth-grader Ally Torres, left, carries the torch to the center of the track during the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics Iowa Southwest Area Spring Games at Iowa Western Community College on Thursday, April 12, 2018. Nearly 400 athletes from seven counties competed in the games.
Don't get burnt
Rue Elementary School fifth-grader Ally Torres, left, puts her hand over her heart during the singing of the national anthem as Thomas Jefferson High School senior Joey Wise, right, holds the torch alongside his father and West End Optimist Club President Gary Wise during the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics Iowa Southwest Area Spring Games at Iowa Western Community College on Thursday, April 12, 2018. Nearly 400 athletes from seven counties competed in the games.
Nice toss
Titan Hill Intermediate School eighth-grader Jak Knudsen competes in the miniature javelin event during the Special Olympics Iowa Southwest Area Spring Games at Iowa Western Community College on Thursday, April 12, 2018. Nearly 400 athletes from seven counties competed in the games.
A winning smile
Harlan Community High School freshman Mark Kenkel proudly hoists his first-place ribbon after winning the running long jump event in the 16-21 age division during the Special Olympics Iowa Southwest Area Spring Games at Iowa Western Community College on Thursday, April 12, 2018. Nearly 400 athletes from seven counties competed in the games.
So much focus required
Iowa School for the Deaf eighth-grader David Schrieber competes in the shot put event during the Special Olympics Iowa Southwest Area Spring Games at Iowa Western Community College on Thursday, April 12, 2018. Nearly 400 athletes from seven counties competed in the games.
He's got a future in shot put
IKM-Manning Middle School eighth-grader Ben Niles competes in the shot put event during the Special Olympics Iowa Southwest Area Spring Games at Iowa Western Community College on Thursday, April 12, 2018. Nearly 400 athletes from seven counties competed in the games.
A nice embrace
Abraham Lincoln High School sophomore Matthew Thomason, left, celebrates with A.L. senior Austin Tanga as they compete in the miniature javelin event during the Special Olympics Iowa Southwest Area Spring Games at Iowa Western Community College on Thursday, April 12, 2018. Nearly 400 athletes from seven counties competed in the games.
Nice form
Abraham Lincoln High School sophomore Matthew Thomason competes in the miniature javelin event during the Special Olympics Iowa Southwest Area Spring Games at Iowa Western Community College on Thursday, April 12, 2018. Nearly 400 athletes from seven counties competed in the games.
Give it all you've got
Abraham Lincoln High School senior Austin Tanga competes in the miniature javelin event during the Special Olympics Iowa Southwest Area Spring Games at Iowa Western Community College on Thursday, April 12, 2018. Nearly 400 athletes from seven counties competed in the games.
