First annual Hometown Run for youth Special Olympics takes off in North Bay

A turnout of more than 160 people gathered in downtown North Bay Sunday morning for the first annual 'Hometown Run for Youth Special Olympics.'

"This is their world, this is so exciting for them, they are so excited everyone is here," said race co-director Lisa O'Kane.

"They are so excited the community has come out to support them and know how important they are as citizens to North Bay."

Participants registered for either the one-kilometre, five-km or 10-km race, with all proceeds going to the team.

"Every Special Olympic event we have registration fees, we have uniforms, we have transportation, all of that goes into their funds for the year," said O’Kane.

"Every event that they go to in our area is out of town, because being in northern Ontario, we have to travel."

Some Special Olympic athletes were on hand Sunday morning and told CTV News events like these ones are super important to them.

"Today is important to raise money for Special Olympics. I feel really excited to go, I am going to participate in the five-km run," said Malakai Ayotte.

Steph Murray,14, said it was crazy to know that 160 people were at the race to support athletes like himself.

"There’s a lot of support for people with my symptoms. I'm here today because of autism and it’s so nice to see everyone," Murray said.

Organizers from the first 'Hometown Run for Youth Special Olympics' said this event will definitely be back again next year and in years to come.