CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- It's a day athletes from around the Charlotte area look forward to all year – opening day for the Special Olympics of Mecklenburg County's Spring Games.
But it isn't just the competitors who take home a trophy – families, volunteers, even one of NBC Charlotte's own come away a winner.
What better way to brighten a dreary Monday than a parade of champions.
"We have 1,500 athletes from throughout the county who are competing throughout the week."
The celebration lasts throughout the week as young athletes take part in nineteen different sports.
"This is something I look forward to, it's very special because these kids when you see the smiles on their face when they parade in here it makes your heart smile."
Larry Sprinkle's heart has smiled for nearly twenty years. That's how long he's emceed the opening games. But he knows the day looms even larger on these kids' calendars.
"These kids, who've been working every day of their lives to be here, you know that their lives are blessed a little more just because they are here."
On Tuesday, the athletes will get their game faces on as the week-long competition kicks off.