The playing field was leveled for more than 200 students from Suffolk’s elementary schools who gathered at King’s Fork High School on Friday.

Though competitive natures were also catered for, the emphasis was on fun at the Special Olympics Virginia Little Feet Meet, held in Suffolk for the first time.

According to Special Olympics President Rick Jeffrey, the goal of the events, which happen across the state, is to bring together children with and without disabilities to promote a more inclusive environment in schools.

“Our athletes face a number of foes and opponents each day, but none is more pervasive than low expectations,” Jeffrey stated.

“The community’s support of unified play events like the Little Feet Meets shows a commitment to celebrating what our athletes and communities can achieve together.”

In the bleachers at the King’s Fork football field, students sat with teachers and parents waving school banners.

The event began with remarks from the school district’s Director of Special Education Antoine Hickman and Deputy Superintendent Jacqueline Chavis, as well as representatives of event sponsors Miller Oil Foundation and Virginia Farm Bureau.

Together with support from the commercial sponsors, the event was made possible with a Project Unify Grant through the U.S. Department of Education and support from Suffolk Public Schools.

“We are thrilled with the response,” Hickman said. “It’s really a great number for a first event.”

Chavis said, “The whole idea is to really be a more inclusive society, to have patience, to respect people with disabilities, and most of all (to show) we are all in this together.”

Bryan Thrift, an assistant principal at King’s Fork High, recited the Special Olympics oath — “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt” — before the Olympic torch was lit.

Events included things like the standing long jump and the tennis ball throw.

At the long jump, King’s Fork student Dymon Small measured how far Hillpoint Elementary School’s Dnayshia Jenkins leapt through the air.

It felt good to help out the younger students, Small said. “I like doing things like this,” she said. “I like their smiles — they get so excited.”