More than 1,000 students competed in the Cherokee County Special Olympics on Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at Sequoyah HS.  In addition to the athletes, there were hundreds of student and adult volunteers on hand to coordinate events and assist athletes.  Many Cherokee County schools have "Friends" or "Peer Helper" clubs where regular education program students assist students with disabilities.   The event began with an Opening Ceremony that included a Torch Run and the reading of the Special Olympics motto: "Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."