Sportsmanship, respect, compassion and leadership were evident from Thursday through Saturday as athletes overcame obstacles during the Special Olympics Iowa games.

“I think the favorite part of the games, for me, is to see the athletes who have worked so hard, to see them be able to go out and compete and have a great time. They enjoy themselves,” said Mark Reed, president and CEO of Special Olympics Iowa. “When you see someone that has obstacles in their life and they say ‘no, I’m going to go and do my very best,’ and when they overcome those obstacles, whether they are one of our athletes or anyone else, it’s exciting.”

The games opened Thursday night at Hilton Coliseum, where teams were greeted by cheerleaders, an enthusiastic crowd, members of the Knights of Columbus and members of the community.

“We thank you for what you bring to Ames and the joy it brings to us,” said Mayor Ann Campbell. “Welcome, and we look forward to you coming back frequently.”

Cheerleaders from across the state performed cheers and a dance for the crowd. They also taught a cheer to many athletes, who performed it during the ceremony.

Joey Fisher, 14, who has participated in the Special Olympics Iowa since he was in fourth grade, sang the national anthem.

“My favorite people and my best friends are right here in this auditorium,” said Cory Leonard, an athlete from Columbus High School.

Reed said the games went well this year, and his only hope for next year is that more athletes can come. This year, about 2,800 athletes competed.

“We had the same sports that we had last year, but we had more competitors, so that’s good,” Reed said.

He said there are many special moments during the games, but his favorite so far came several years ago during the national games, when an athlete set a personal record in lifting and won the competition.

“I was doing the awards at the power lifting, and a young man from Colorado had just won the gold medal in power lifting, and as I was putting the gold medal around his neck, he yelled out into the audience, ‘hey mom, we did it.’” Reed said. “He understood that it wasn’t just him. It was everybody that was involved with Special Olympics. It was a triumph for them. That really brings home what we do.”

For athletes young and old, the games are more than just an opportunity to compete.

Jesse, a ten-year participant at the Iowa Special Olympics from Fort Madison, said he won the first place medal for his first time during the track and field events.

“It’s perfect. I love that,” he said. “It’s all for my father up in heaven.”