Fifty-five special needs students within the Zachary Community School District participated in a day of fun, fitness and friendship on Friday, Feb. 1, when they competed in the third-annual Zachary Time Trials event held in Bronco Stadium.

This is the third year for the event in Zachary. "This event provides practice and experience on the track. It also provides accurate scores for entry into the Special Olympics Capital Area Track and Field meet," said Debra Toney, an adapted physical education teacher for the Zachary School District.

Toney, with the assistance of Chauncey Moore and Craig Castello of the Adapted P.E. Dept., as well as many others, organizes the Zachary event each year which acts as a qualifying event for running, throwing and jumping.

Area businesses also help with the trials by sponsoring t-shirts, caps, food, drinks and much more.

Kiwanians, Zachary Fire and Police personnel, as well as volunteers from the community and the ZHS Student Assessment and Support Services for Youth (SASSY) Team act as time keepers, judges, recorders and starting line officials. They also cheer and give out plenty of hugs and encouragement to the athletes.

The Track & Field meet Feb. 27-28 is held at the Louisiana School for the Deaf. Scores from the meet are then sent to the Special Olympics La. State office.

More photos will be featured Feb. 13.