-Messenger photo by Joe Sutter
Webster County Sheriff’s Deputy Amy Stringer joins with Gage Porter to lead the Special Olympics torch procession Wednesday morning at John F. Kennedy Memorial Park. Nearly 100 kids from Special Olympics came out for the festivities and to play on the playscape, as they saw off their teammates going to the state competition in Ames today through Saturday. There are 33 students from Fort Dodge schools going to Ames, as well as other athletes not part of a school team.

-Messenger photo by Joe Sutter
Nearly 100 kids take part in the Special Olympics torch procession at John F. Kennedy Memorial Park Wednesday along with their parents, teachers and supporters.

-Messenger photo by Joe Sutter Doug Wilk, from the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility, walks with Christopher Holmes, 4th grade, and Evie Dencklau in the Torch Run procession for the Special Olympics Wednesday. Webster and Hamilton County law enforcement will be holding a fun run to benefit Special Olympics on Saturday at Kennedy Park.

-Messenger photo by Joe Sutter
Courtney Hamilton, fourth grade, plays the musical instruments at Kennedy Park’s playscape after the Special Olympics Torch Run procession Wednesday. Hamilton will be going to the state event in Ames this week competing in the tennis ball throw.

-Messenger photo by Joe Sutter
Evan Rubio, left, and Quentin Derrig climb the treehouse at Kennedy Park’s playscape Wednesday. The kids had a good hour to enjoy the spring weather after the torch procession, before heading back to the shelter house for snacks.