SAN ANTONIO -- As with any Olympic ceremony, the festivities began with the lighting of a torch.

Over a four-day day period, more than 1,100 special Northside ISD athletes will take part in track and field events at Gustafson Stadium, supported by their peers. It's an event the athletes look forward to every year.

"I like to do track and everything," participant Judith Moreno said. "I like softball and I like throwing. It's ... really fun."

Volunteer Christiane Garcia has worked with developmentally disabled children for years.

"It really builds their self-esteem and it's a great time for them to socialize with their friends," Garcia said. "It's a great time to experience what other athletes do around the world."

After crossing the finish line in a wheelchair race, Nathaniel Barker proudly held his hands above his head, doing a muscle flex.

"I've been doing this for years," he said. "It feels great doing this."

While there's no doubt the events are rewarding for the participants, they're just as rewarding for the volunteers. Many work as huggers and high-fivers, with the job of cheering on and congratulating participants.

"It's just absolutely incredible," said Garcia. "It's very, very fulfilling. Just to see all the smiles on these faces is absolutely incredible and it's such a great experience."