Athletes from across Chilton County participated Thursday in the 31st annual Chilton County Special Olympics.

The games were held at Clanton City Park and started with a torch run led by senior olympians Ashley Cleckler, Patricia Dean and Devonte Spigner, all of Chilton County High School.

After the torch run, the parade of athletes followed as school teams were introduced one-by-one. Michelle Coppedge and Clanton Mayor Billy Joe Driver welcomed the athletes, their families and volunteers to the park.

After prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem (performed by Jemison High School’s Blue Regiment Marching Band), Clanton Intermediate School students Austin Brasher and Bethany Mims led everyone in the Special Olympics Oath: “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

After that, Chilton County High School SGA members released balloons of every color to officially declare the 2012 games open.

Athletes competed in a variety of different sporting events, earning ribbons and medals along the way.