Translators, pop stars and big time endorsements were all over Beijing last summer. But for 100 local Special Olympiads, a level playing field and community support were the only true essentials for a great competition - and a really good time - at their 2009 Spring Games.

“This gives physically and mentally handicapped kids a chance to showcase their talents,” said Dale Denson, a teacher and coach at Roberdel Children’s Center.

It’s also a chance to get the same kind of bells and whistles that world-class athletes like Michael Phelps got in 2008. Special Olympics World Games are a big deal. Qualifying competitors get a chance to travel to cities like Dublin and Shanghai.

Judging from the wave of smiling faces in Thursday’s traditional torch run parade, Raider Stadium was close enough.

“They love getting to be here at Richmond Senior, because they know about the school and the football team,” said Roberdel Teacher Jody Honeycutt. “It makes them fell like everyone else, just coming out and being in this facility.”

The athletes worked hard to get to Raider Stadium. According to Denson, some unique challenges can arise when training special needs children. “It may be getting them to take off when the whistle blows, or getting them to let go of the ball when they throw.”

Each participant is required to practice with a coach for eight hours before competing in the games.

“We had to run, we had to jump, and we had to throw that ball,” said LaBrea Brower, a student at Roberdel.

“I’m ready to run!” exclaimed Sandhills Manor resident David Thompson, before jetting off to the 25 meter dash. “I’m gonna be like Speedy Gonzalez! I want to do some more running!”

In the background, his significantly more quiet roommate Joe Negus opened and closed his hands in a “chatterbox” gesture.

“David talks too much and you won’t talk enough,” said McLaurin Center Instructor Baine Dower, nudging a smile from the stoic 40-year-old.

Pegus just said what needed to be said. And, when asked if he was nervous, he said it without skipping a beat.

“Psss, Nah.”

Five minutes later, Thompson returned with blue ribbon number three fastened to the front of his light blue Special Olympics tee shirt.

That shirt separates him from the yellow-clad volunteers. As with many other athletes on the field, it would be hard to tell him apart if he didn’t wear it. It would be difficult for a stranger to spot the differences, however minute, that make people like Thompson eligible for the Special Olympics.

“I’m friends with a lot of these kids,” said Tyler Deese, a senior and Senate member at Richmond Senior High School. “They’re just everyday people. A friend and I were talking about that the other day. When you’re just walking around school, they look just like normal people.”

And long as others people let them be “normal,” they are.

“You treat them just like anyone else,” said Honeycutt. But, like many others, she has heard painful stories from students who get picked on, laughed at, and made fun of for their disabilities.

“They don’t have to worry about that here.”

According to Deese, the event is actually surrounded by a tangible aura of love and respect.

“When you come out here, you can feel how much the community cares for each other,” he said.

“This is their day to shine,” said RSHS senior Phillip LeGrande. “Some of (the athletes) are limited. They can’t do everyday things, like just being able to get up in the morning and go to the bathroom without anyone’s help.

“Some people who aren’t limited just go home, sit down and watch T.V.,” said LeGrande. “They don’t take advantage of the abilities that they do have.”

As co-captain of the RSHS cheerleading squad, senior Brittnie Lovin has plenty of physical ability - and respect for her fellow athletes.

“They work so hard. It humbles you,” said Lovin. “All you want to do is encourage them. And every time someone claps for them you see their face light up.”

She stood on the sidelines to cheer for 19-year-old Huey Rizzolo.

“A lot of people don’t realize what the Special Olympics mean to these children. You just don’t realize until you come see what they put into it.” said Rizzolo’s grandfather Roger Sikes. “They’re trying to do the best they can. You would think some things are so simple, but they’re hard for him. This makes him feel important.”

Volunteer Courtnie Lovin felt important all day. She pinned ribbons on winners - and saw some smiles that would melt anyone’s heart.

“They’re amazing,” she said. “People just have to give them a chance.”