Young athletes of all abilities were celebrated Friday at Special Olympics Santa Barbara's 11th annual school games at Santa Barbara City College’s La Playa Stadium.

More than 300 students with intellectual disabilities participated in the one-day event in Santa Barbara. Athletes hailed from more than 30 local elementary, middle and high schools across Santa Barbara County.

“You are going to have tears in your eyes watching some of these kids get up out of their walkers, or even do the walk races,” said Lizzy Gamberdella, special day class teacher for the Hope Elementary School District. “It’s my favorite day in Santa Barbara, and I think it’s the greatest event.” 

The gathering began with a traditional opening ceremony. Athletes paraded around the outdoor track before an enthusiastic crowd of relatives, volunteers, friends and members of the public as part of the opening. 

Onlookers erupted in chants as the waving competitors were greeted by high-fives and hugs.

In remarks during the opening ceremony, Congressman Salud Carbajal brought the crowd to its feet and led the large group in cheers. He congratulated the participants, and thanked those organizing the event which includes his wife, Gina Carbajal, the Special Olympics regional director. 

“This is community,” he said. “We do it because we are all one.”

After the opening ceremony, athletes started competing in a wide variety of track and field events, including softball toss, running and long jump. 

There were smiles all around, from the students to the supporters watching from the sidelines and encouraging the athletes to finish their event strong. 

Local athletes compete in track and field events during Friday’s school games at Santa Barbara City College.  (Brooke Holland / Noozhawk photo)

More than 10 Hope Elementary students put their athleticism to the test in the long jump competition, softball or tennis throw, 25-meter dash, 50-meter run, and a couple of students participated in the 100-meter race. 

For Gamberdella, she has watched the kids’ grow up and blossom. 

“It’s a wonderful, happy feel-good event where these kids can have fun, and feel like they are doing their best,” she said. “It’s awesome.”

Among Friday's supporters were local law enforcement and fire department personnel, including members of the California Highway Patrol officers and the Santa Barbara City Fire Department.

The CHP is a longtime supporter of Special Olympics events, Captain Cindy Pontes said.

“This is where we get to put the medals and ribbons on the athletes after their competitions,” Pontes said. “The ability to serve the community and the opportunity, and to see the joy on the athletes’ faces, and their parents, it’s amazing.”

— Noozhawk staff writer Brooke Holland can be reached at bholland@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.