Hundreds of kids take part in San Francisco Special Olympics

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Hundreds of kids took part on Friday in the San Francisco edition of the Special Olympics. Kezar Stadium was packed with students of all ages and abilities.

There were track and field races and softball throws. The point is not to win, but just to compete. The Special Olympians took part in a year-long program to improve their social skills and get some exercise.

Special Olympian Alia Anderson said, "I felt kind of nervous at first, but I got used to it. I got more into it."

Burton High School special education teacher Anthony Singleton said, "This is about building confidence and going out and being active, and being social with other people."

You could see the giant smiles of accomplishment in the student's faces, even if they didn't finish first. Everyone got a loud cheer.

The sports program teaches the kids basketball in the fall and track-and-field in the spring.