2012 Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games

Mike Shempert, athlete, throws the shot put during the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 12, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It’s the 26th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

2012 Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games

Collin Sartin, athlete, leaps into the air during his turn in the running long jump competition during the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 12, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It’s the 26th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

2012 Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games

Tabitha Turnage, athlete, does the butterfly stroke in the 100 yard individual medley swim competition at the Biloxi Natatorium, Biloxi, Miss., during the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 12, 2012. It’s the 26th year that Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., has hosted the statewide event. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

2012 Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games

Olivia Jones, athlete, trails behind athlete Rosekita Johnson in the 15-meter unassisted swim competition at the Biloxi Natatorium, Biloxi, Miss., during the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 12, 2012. It’s the 26th year that Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., has hosted the statewide event. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

2012 Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games

Airmen 1st Class Brian Bryant and Candace Vessels, 338th Training Squadron, pose for a photo with their sponsored athlete, Shelby Smith, 15, following the completion of the 25-meter assisted walk during the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 12, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It’s the 26th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

2012 Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games

Fifteen-year-old, Shelby Smith, athlete, participates in the 25 meter assisted walk during the Special Olympics Mississippi Summer Games, May 12, 2012, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. It’s the 26th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Opening ceremonies took place May 11. Athletic competitions took place throughout the day and were followed by a victory dance May 12. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches and 3,000 volunteers joined forces to make the event a success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)