Long-lost friends, physical activity and a little healthy competition are among the countless reasons that Special Olympics participants return, but above all, the event brings families and participants of all ages together for what has been deemed a “love fest” happening year after year in Iberia Parish.

“This is not just about the sports,” said adapted physical education teacher Jody Waples. “It’s a social process with old friends and large groups that extends at the end of the day. Parents say, ‘I saw you today.’ It’s an outstanding sense of achievement.”

Matthew Latham, an eight-grader from Loreauville High School, held his school’s flag as he and his teammates waited before the opening ceremonies Tuesday morning at the New Iberia Senior High track complex. Latham said he has been training for his events — the 50-meter run and the softball throw — for some time.

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Loreauville senior Cyrus Provost sat impatiently in his wheelchair, flanked by special education teacher Cory Segura and teacher’s aide April Babin, waiting for the day’s events to begin. Provost signed up for the softball throw and the 10-meter wheelchair race, and has been busy training for both.

“Oh, yeah, I’m ready,” Provost said, “I practice at school and I’m fast.”

Although Provost feels his best event is racing, Babin pointed out his strength might be in the softball competition.

“You should see him throw a ball,” she said. “He can outthrow everyone.”

Tony Piontek has been a participant in the Special Olympics as both an athlete and a volunteer since the area games began in 1995.

A New Iberia resident, Piontek participated in the 2006 games in Ames, Iowa, where he served as both volunteer coach and Louisiana representative. Piontek said his involvement with the Special Olympics comes from the satisfaction of helping others.

“I just love being around the kids,” he said. “That’s what’s real, the really special thing out of so many. We’re here for the kids.”

As the torches blazed, participants took a one-lap walk around the New Iberia Senior High School track to signal the start of the event — led by Albert Frioux and Rebecca Marceaux, the two who will represent Iberia Parish in the 2010 national Special Olympics games to be held in Lincoln, Neb.

The competitions held throughout the day yield winners in each category, but all of the 200 to 250 Iberia Parish participants are able to advance to the area Special Olympics held in Kaplan at the end of April.

Live Oak School Principal Pat Douglass said she attends the games every year to see the children who have passed through the halls at her schools continue their athletic feats on the field.

“This is a special thing for them,” she said. “They want to be in activities, too. This makes them proud to be able to do this. It helps self-esteem, and they’re so happy and so ready. They’ve been training for this. They’re ready.”