Special moments at Special Olympics
Special Olympian Deandre Brown, accompanied by Patrolman 1st Class Jamie Brooks, lit the cauldron with the “flame of hope” during Friday’s opening ceremonies for the Mississippi Special Olympics Summer Games. This year’s games were dedicated to Patrolman Brooks’ father, James “Jimmy” Brooks Sr., a longtime Special Olympics supporter. It’s the 25th year that Keesler has hosted the statewide event. Almost 1,000 athletes participated this year with their coaches and parents, bolstered by thousands of volunteers from Keesler and other organizations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)