Kids and sports they just go together. Put them outside on a beautiful spring day and shrieks of joy and laughter can be heard.

That was the scenario at the 2012 Special Olympics held at Pleasant Valley High School stadium which included student participants from five Monroe County school districts. Since the first Special Olympics were held at Pleasant Valley 21 years ago, PV students have volunteered to be "buddies" for the Special Olympians, sometimes numbering over 600 volunteers.These "buddies" inspire all who meet them.The Pleasant Valley High School Band, under the direction of James DeVivo, provided festive music before the opening ceremony.Rick Agretto, IU 20 Event Director welcomed everyone and introduced Special Olympians Ashley Klein (PVHS) and Tenisha Grayson (PVMS), who led the Pledge of Allegiance. The national anthem was led by the PVHS chorus directed by Lois Mann."We are PV Proud to host this event. We welcome each of the schools participating and we wish a warm PV Bear welcome to all of you. Best of luck to all who are competing today and we thank all who help make this possible," said Dr. Douglas Arnold, PVSD superintendent.Special Olympics poems were offered by Special Olympians Jennifer Drake-Tran, Amber Parry of PVHS and Parrish Hampton (PVMS.) The Special Olympics Pledge was led by PVHS Special Olympian Nicole Parra and Matthew Richelieu.Paul Sipler, the assistant principal of Stroudsburg Junior High School, addressed the audience, giving special recognition to a Stroudsburg Special Olympian and the "Best Buddies" program he is responsible for initiating at his school."Five years ago, Jason Weinhardt had asked his teacher, Mr. Dadetto, if he could go to the principal's office and make an appointment to speak with Dr. Mross. Being the great facilitator he was, Mr. Dadetto made the arrangements for Jason's meeting. Upon entering the confines of the principal's office, Jason cut through all pretense and sought permission to take a few of his buddies that he had met as a result of being integrated into Mrs. Kovac's Phys. Ed. Class, to the Special Olympics event held at Pleasant Valley School District. Jason's request was honored and arrangements were made for him and the other Olympians to attend the event accompanied by classmates that Jason considered his 'buddies.'"Following the event, one of the buddies in attendance, was so influenced by the experience, she wrote a beautiful letter seeking similar opportunities with special needs. As a result, the 'Building Buddies Program' (or as Jason called it, Best Buddies) was created. Our buddies program is in its sixth year and has over 60 student participants at the junior high school and more than 90 at the high school."Jason's endeavor has produced a program that has received several awards for its educational merits. During Jason's acceptance speech he coined himself as the 'founding father.' Thanks, Jason for making a difference. We'd like to present to you the Butterfly Effect Award."Jason received the book, "Butterfly Effect: How Your Life Matters" written by Andy Andrews and butterfly stickers.A quote from the book is "Every single thing you do matters. You have been created as one of a kind. You have been created in order to make a difference. You have within you the power to change the world."That is the message they wanted Jason and all Special Olympics buddies to hear.Over 325 special athletes with over 350 volunteers assisting, competed in three of the following events: 400 meter/mile run; 200 meter run; 100 meter dash; 50 meter dash; standing long jump; high jump; softball throw; turbo dart throw.In between events, the student Special Olympians could visit several food stands, make bracelets, color, have their faces painted and join in a sing-a-long, all manned by various PV clubs and organizations with the proceeds being donated to the Special Olympics.Over 325 special athletes with over 350 volunteers assisting, competed in three of the following events: 400 meter/mile run; 200 meter run; 100 meter dash; 50 meter dash; standing long jump; high jump; softball throw; turbo dart throw.In between events, the student Special Olympians could visit several food stands, make bracelets, color, have their faces painted and join in a sing-a-long, all manned by various PV clubs and organizations with the proceeds being donated to the Special Olympics.PVHS Special Olympians Robert Cohen, James West and Bryan Villarroel carried the Special Olympic Torch into the stadium and PVMS Special Olympians Rosemarie Bradley and Melissa Albanese had the honor of lighting the Torch. Then Special Olympians Dylan Haydt (PVHS) and PVMS Matthew Baumgartner (PVMS) lit the torch.Dr. Arnold and PVHS Special Olympian Jeffrey Lopes declared the games to be opened.Over 325 special athletes with over 350 volunteers assisting, competed in three of the following events: 400 meter/mile run; 200 meter run; 100 meter dash; 50 meter dash; standing long jump; high jump; softball throw; turbo dart throw.In between events, the student Special Olympians could visit several food stands, make bracelets, color, have their faces painted and join in a sing-a-long, all manned by various PV clubs and organizations with the proceeds being donated to the Special Olympics.Volunteers and buddies make all the difference in the success of Special Olympics.Laura Vaillant, an East Stroudsburg North associate helped Special Olympian Christopher Gulston of East Stroudsburg North in the softball toss."Look at these kids faces. They're outside, socializing and having fun," she said.Special Olympian Joseph Arias of Pocono Mountain East Junior High School was paired up with two buddies, Kamilia Aguila and Courtney Miller, both PVHS sophomores."We like helping and encouraging children, with disabilities. They like to do everything we do," said Kamilia.Desiree Murray, a Chestnuthill Elementary paraprofessional, was with Mrs. O'Keefe's second grade class, cheering on their classmate, David Greco in the 50 meter dash."I love the Special Olympics. It shows community spirit, tolerance and compassion for all people," she said.Sean Quinn, an East Stroudsburg South junior was Abby's buddy."I've been with Abby since seventh grade. I just love putting a smile on the kids' faces and it puts a smile on my face," he said.Abby said the Special Olympics was fun.Her mother, Lisa Tonkin, echoed Abby."Special Olympics is a chance for her to have fun with her friends."From the expressions of happiness on all the faces of Special Olympians, volunteers, parents, family and friends, everyone was going home feeling like they won the gold.