This summer, many countries around the world will put their political and social differences aside to cheer on their athletes in the Olympic Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The same is here at home, where residents from around the county came together this week to cheer on the athletes participating in the Lawrence County Special Olympics.

Hosted at South Point High School, more than 400 students participated in a variety of events that allowed their competitive juices to flow. But, regardless of where each individual finished, the joy and memories made each year at the event makes everyone a winner.

More than 200 volunteers, including adults and students from each school, should be commended for their hard work to make this year’s Special Olympics an experience of a lifetime for the participants. This event takes countless hours of planning and dedication from all involved, and we are fortunate as a county that the goal of so many is to make the day possible.

While the Lawrence County Special Olympics affords students the opportunity to represent their school, more importantly, it creates the chance for each participant to have a day they won’t soon forget.

We are fortunate to have so many people throughout Lawrence County willing to go above and beyond for events like these and many others through the year. It is important to shine a bright light on the great things happening in our county.