The Kiwanis Special Games were held at De Anza College on May 21.

A roaring crowd of spectators cheered as the competitors made their way down the track as they were waving banners proudly. “It’s always an amazing event. It’s both amazing and inspiring seeing these children compete,” Belmont Kiwanis President Martin Mansmann said.

More than 900 children with disabilities from 90 different schools around the Bay Area participated in the event.

“I always find something to encourage my athletes. Every day is a challenge in their lives, and they do very well at exceeding expectations,” said Bryan Bennett, an orthopedic impairment teacher and coach.

Kiwanis is a worldwide non-profit organization founded in 1915 that reaches out to disabled children and their communities, and offers services to benefit their well being.

“Our goal is to have every child participate, no matter their disability. At our olympics, everybody wins,” principal of the County Office of Education Nancy Guerrero said.

Kiwanis members say that unlike the Special Olympics, Kiwanis games exclude no child, whereas the Special Olympics require competitors to have a higher level of functioning.

Participants competed in events ranging from NERF archery, Frisbee throwing, and the 100 yard dash to wheelchair races.

At the end of every competition, children were rewarded with a colored ribbon for their efforts.

“This is the most important Kiwanis event of the year. As a Kiwanis family member, it is an honor and privilege to support these athletes to feel like champions and winners,” Kiwanis lieutenant governor Mike Montanari said.

The Foothill-De Anza District hosted the first Kiwanis Special Games in 1979, on the Foothill College campus.

“The heart of these kids is bigger than any professional athlete that I have ever seen,” said John O’Connor, a member of the San Francisco Kiwanis division.

Relatives cheered from the sidelines and offered emotional support.

“These events are important because it allows our children to participate in a social environment,” grandfather Geirge Hannagan said. “I’m amazed by how these kids manage to surpass all their obstacles, they are truly great at exceeding standards.”