FORT WALTON BEACH — Ann James knew her team would win the bocce ball tournament, but it didn’t stop her from cheering on the competition.
“Come on Darryl,” she cheered as an opposing player prepared to make his toss. “You got it buddy. It’s up to you.”
As the game went on, her teammates’ good luck efforts came out. Mike Ladner tossed his ball in the air and blew on it. Bobby Bruno took a minute to look to the heavens and ask for a little divine aid.
“God still helped me,” he said even as his ball rolled off course.
Whether through skill or luck, their team won 10-0. Still, the good sportsmanship didn’t end.
“That was good, man!” James declared as the teams shook hands and high-fived.
About 125 competitors from the Emerald Coast participated in the Special Olympics Okaloosa County on Saturday at Choctawhatchee High School. They strived to win or, as part of the Special Olympics athlete oath states, “let me be brave in the attempt.”
During the opening ceremony, the athletes paraded past cheering spectators in the bleachers, flashing thumbs-up signs, waving and cheering themselves on.
Events ranged from races to the softball toss to the long jump. Most of the competitors had been preparing for some time.
Brian Mann had been training with his friends for a few months for the 100 and 200 meter dashes, said his mom, Pat. It’s a big event for him.
“There’s so many things they’re shunned from,” she said. “This is something they can all participate in.”
As she watched her son Dalton compete in the softball throw, Lisa Malone said she was more excited than he was.
“It makes me happy to see him be a kid,” she said.
“Wild Man Dalton,” as his friends call him, can hang out at the event with his friends and be accepted by all those around him.
“We’re making memories,” Lisa said. “It’s just a great day.”
Daily News Staff Writer Lauren Delgado can be reached at 850-315-4445 or ldelgado@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @LaurenDnwfdn.