About 465 athletes from schools in Chautauqua County competed at The Special Olympics at Strider Field at Jefferson Middle School.

And with the help of several area businesses, organizations, volunteers, teachers, the Tuesday games were held. On May 11, a fire heavily damaged Danielson Oil, 258 Crescent St., and destroyed some of its contents inside including all of the materials owned by the Special Olympics.

“We had a terrible thing happen two weeks ago to Special Olympics. There was a fire at Danielson Oil, and everything that Special Olympics Owned and accumulated over thirty years burned. With the help of a wonderful community — people who donated, people who helped out we were able to put these games together for these athletes. We live in a wonderful place,” Coordinator Bob Goold said.

Goold added that the Special Olympics are the biggest day for a lot of the athletes.

Athletes and teachers from Bush Elementary School walk the track Wednesday at Strider Field as part of the opening ceremonies at the Special Olympics. P-J photos by Michael Zabrodsky

“A lot of the them (athletes) don’t get to participate in other sports, although it is getting better now with unified basketball, but this is always their big day. We want to make it as special for them as we can. It’s also a big day for these high school volunteers,” Goold said.

The 100-plus volunteers, Goold added, get to see the athletes in a different light.

Jamestown High School Volunteer Trey Drake echoed Goold’s thoughts.

“It’s great to see many kids compete against one another. It’s cool for us that are volunteering here — to see kids in our school and in our programs come out and compete against each other. We are real excited and we are here to cheer them on. It’s a fun day and we are glad to help,” Drake said.

The games began with a parade, led by the Jefferson Middle School Marching band, around the track to settle on thefootball field along with the other schools who participated.

After the parade, there was a law enforcement torch run which included law enforcement personnel from area agencies. Jamestown Police Department Capt. Robert Samuelson said it was the biggest turnout of torch run participants in the last 15 years.

The Pledge of Allegiance followed the torch run, and then the games began.

“It’s a win-win for everybody,” Goold said.