Local Olympians participated in the Santa Barbara County Special Olympics Harry Woods Area Games all day Saturday in Santa Maria.
More than 230 athletes competed in track and field events at Pioneer Valley High School.
Each person was there to take home the gold, but also have a good time.
"If for some reason some guy fell, I would’ve definitely stopped and picked him up and finished with him," said Spencer McCoy, a competitor representing Santa Maria. "Other than that, yeah, I want to win."
Some participants liked the idea that volunteers and organizers took their time to make the event comfortable, enjoyable, and educational for those who aren’t completely aware of others’ feelings when it comes to having a disability.
"So instead of using the ‘R’ word, we put in respect," said Taylor Stewart, an athlete. "Give it to get it."
Many of the competitors were returning Olympians.
