Frazier Elementary School student Keelyn Sudduth finishes first in the 25-meter wheelchair race during the Area 7 Special Olympics field games at Natchez High School in 2017. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

Special Olympics athletes hold their banner during the opening ceremonies of Friday’s field events. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

Area 7 Special Olympics Director Tommie Jones hugs volunteer Wanda Ceasor after Assistant Director Patrice Cothern surprises Jones with a commemorative plate in honor of Jones’ more than 30 years of service to Special Olympics. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

Competitors Britni Welch, left, and Roderick Smith were all smiles before they raced in the 25-meter wheelchair race Friday. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

Competitors Britni Welch, right, and Roderick Smith were all smiles before they raced in the 25-meter wheelchair race Friday. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

Britni Welch, left, says the Pledge of Allegiance during the ceremony on the Natchez High School track. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

Volunteer Chelsea Smith waits to give a high-five to John Chauvin , right, as he crosses the finish line. Chauvin was narrowly beat by Clifford Brooks in the 100-meter race. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

Rose White, left, and Diane Turner compete in the 100-meter walk. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

(Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)