There were about 1,360 athletes, coaches and chaperones on hand for the Special Olympics Alabama State Games in Troy last weekend, and the event went off with out a hitch.

“It was a great weekend,” said Meredith Welch, one of two delegates for Pike County Special Olympics.

“The participation throughout the state was wonderful.”

And Pike County athletes were among those that turned in an exceptional performance.

“They all finished well in their events and came out a winner, of course everybody is a winner,” Welch said.

While the current team isn’t the counties’ first ever team, it is relatively young with regard to experience.

“Our team has only been competing for four years,” Welch said.

But the program seems to be picking up steam and hopes to soon field some competitors to compete in the National Special Olympics.

Welch said volunteers are always needed.

“If there’s anybody from the community that would like to participate as well, they’re welcome to,” she said.