The applause at Vicksburg Memorial Stadium was thunderous Tuesday as more than 100 Special crossed finish lines, hurled softballs and made tremendous jumps.

Event organizers said 144 competitors older than 12 competed in events Tuesday, and as many were expected to begin competition this morning in competition for children.

“Usually we did it on one day, but this is a little more one-on-one,” local Special Olympics assistant director Sandy Hearn said.

Competitors took to the track and field in running events, a softball throw, a standing long jump, bocce ball and volleyball. For competitor Tonya Woods, a favorite was too hard to decide.

“I like it all,” Woods said.

In May, Woods will compete in swimming at the State Special Olympics at Keesler Air Force Base.

“I can’t wait,” she said.

Woods and other competitors were assisted and cheered on by a large group of volunteers including members of Vicksburg Kiwanis, Port City Kiwanis and Key clubs from Vicksburg high and Porters Chapel Academy.

“We’ve been doing this since it started,” Vicksburg Kiwanis secretary Charlie McKinnie said of the longtime relationship between Kiwanis and Special Olympics

The mission of Kiwanis is to help young children, so helping sponsor the event is perfect for the city’s two clubs, members said.

“My passion in life is mentally and physical challenged kids and adults,” said BB Evans, a Port City Kiwanis volunteer.

The vast majority of volunteers Tuesday were Vicksburg high key Club members, who helped competitors cross the finish line and

“I always have fun with them. It lets them know they always have someone to lean on,” said Briana Knox, vice president of the Vicksburg Key Club.

Special Olympians also compete in bowling in the fall. The organization is also raising money to send the Mississippi Mudbugs to a softball tournament in Kansas in September, Hearn said.