Troy University celebrated “A Perfect 10” last weekend, hosting the Alabama Special Olympics State Games for the tenth straight year.

The games were preceded by the Alabama Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, in which officers from across the state carried the “Flame of Hope” from Huntsville to Troy.

The run culminated in the lighting of the ceremonial torch Friday in Trojan Arena by Special Olympics World Games gold medalist Michael Cline and Lt. Mark Bishop of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.

A new tradition was also performed at the opening ceremonies, as a Special Olympics Alabama flag was raised for the first time as a special tribute to Dr. Bob Bushong’s 25 years of service as executive director.

Cline also gave his favorite memory from the world games: “We beat the Russians!”

Lt. Mark Bishop of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office assisted Cline in carrying the torch to the stage.

“It’s such an honor,” Bishop said. “I’d heard about him winning gold in the international games and then I found out that I would be running out the torch with him. It’s been the highlight of my experience with the Special Olympics.”

Troy Head Football Coach Neal Brown declared the games officially open and offered words of advice to the athletes.

“In order to compete you need to do two things,” Brown said. “You have to prepare, and you have to perform. You have to prepare your body by eating and drinking right, and getting some sleep. You have to prepare your mind by visualizing yourself having success.

“Then performing is about doing your best and having fun while you do it.”

Brown finished his speech by telling the athletes that winning didn’t define them. “How you compete and the joy you have is what defines you.”

More than 1,300 athletes of all ages took part in the opening ceremonies and games. Athletes competed in 11 different sports including track and field, swimming, golf and gymnastics.

After the games wrapped up, the athletes gathered on the Trojan Arena court for a night of celebration and dancing to the performance of Elvis tribute artist Scot Bruce.

The games were closed Sunday morning with a memorial for Special Olympics athletes who passed away in the last year.

One of those athletes was Dennis Clayton, a swimmer. His candle was lit by one of his former housemates, April Parker.

“It was very emotional for her,” said Parker’s caregiver Johnnie Johnson. “They cared a lot for each other.”

Carol Taylor, the mother of long-time Special Olympics swimmer Lane Barnes, spoke about what the Special Olympics means to him.

“He’s always excited,” she said. “He’ll end tonight talking about next year.”

Her husband, Ed Taylor, fresh off retirement from his job as Decatur police chief, said the torch run holds a special place in his heart.

“This is my first time missing it since 1990,” he said. “That’s actually where my wife and I met.”

Taylor said Troy has been a great host city.

“We’ve been going for about 30 years,” he said. “We’ve been just about everywhere it’s been held. Troy is a great venue. I think it’s really found a home.”