Decatur County Special Olympics will host for the first time an expanded track and field event Thursday, May 2, at Bainbridge High School.

Included in this annual spring event will be participants from Grady, Early, and Seminole County school systems, who will be competing with students from Decatur County schools.

Local law enforcement will escort school buses carrying the Olympians from the Bainbridge First Baptist Church parking lot at 8:30 a.m. They will travel to the BHS track off U.S. 84 East, where they will be welcomed by cheering students and spectators.

The opening ceremony begins at 9 a.m., includes special torch bearer Police Chief Eric Miller. The event will conclude at approximately 1 p.m.

This year’s event has grown from a past average of 70 participants to 106 participants, in addition to volunteers from BHS and the community. Concessions for the public will be provided by Southern Catering. New Special Olympics T-shirts will be on sale. Spectators are encouraged to attend.