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LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - Cougar Stadium in Lake Charles will be filled with athletic competition this Friday, as the Southwest Special Olympics Spring Games get underway. Some 345 athletes from Calcasieu, Allen, Beauregard and Jeff Davis parishes will compete in several field activities.

“They do everything in their power to build up to this moment, to strive to win, and in their minds, it’s just like the Olympics on TV,” said Mike Gray, Team Citgo member. “That’s why it’s important that Citgo’s there to build them up and give that chance to win.”

Gray and Tina Hudson are just two Team Citgo volunteers that will help and cheer on the athletes.

“Just to see the excitement on their face when they go up to that podium and take their picture,” said Hudson. “We’re just cheering them on. They just beam with pride. It’s amazing to see, it really is.”

Volunteers from Entergy, Phillips 66, Sasol and Walmart will join Team Citgo in helping staff the event.

“They’re just like every other kid,” said Hudson. “They just want to succeed and participate. When they’re able to do that and win and get their ribbon, they just get to be like other kids to experience all that.”

“It gives them the opportunity to be somebody,” said Gray. “At the end of the day, these people, even though they were born with a disability, have a purpose in life. Because they’re a person before the disability. So it’s very important that we show the community that this is a big event.”

The Special Olympics Southwest Games take place Friday, April 12, 2024 at Cougar Stadium on First Avenue in Lake Charles. Opening ceremonies begin at 9:30 a.m. and the public is encouraged to attend and cheer on the athletes. This year’s games will be dedicated to Julie Montague, a longtime volunteer director who passed away on Christmas Eve, 2023.