Barksdale Airmen teamed up with the local community to assist more than 350 athletes from Caddo Parish Schools and the Shreveport Parks and Recreation program during the Special Olympics May 7 at Northwood High School in Shreveport, La. 

The event was previously held once a year and is now held three times annually -- once each for Bossier and Caddo Parish schools and an overall area event for all others. 

"The atmosphere here is one where everyone cheers for everyone," said Darlene Simons, assistant principal of Northwood High School and parent of a special needs child. "It is not the competitive nature of a typical track meet -- it allows kids with special needs and challenges to have someone cheer for them in a way that a lot times they don't get outside of the school environment. It's very important because so many students don't have families that are able to do much more for them than what they get at the school." 

Special Olympics offers more than 30 Olympic-type sports with training and competitions held 365 days a year in more than 180 countries, according to the Special Olympics organization. 

"It's important to come out here and show we appreciate all the support the community gives us for what we do in the military," said Airman 1st Class Joseph Snover, 2d Maintenance Squadron. "This is our chance to show them the same support." 

According to many of the volunteer's, the rewards that come from helping the athletes are just as great as those that come from competing. 

"I try to encourage everybody to come out here," said Tracy Reneau of the probation and parole office in Shreveport, La. "It fills your heart with joy. 

"This is the first year I have brought my daughter to participate and she's so excited," she continued. "You can't describe the feeling these events bring to the participants until you actually volunteered to come out here and work. You'll be surprised of the humanity and everything that comes out of people when they're here. Just to see the little kids smiling faces is just a joy." 

For more information contact Master Sgt. Neil Heerdink co-chair person of volunteers for Northwest Louisiana Special Olympics at neil.heerdink@Barksdale.af.mil or visit www.specialolympics.org.