Photo gallery sponsored by Anderson Toyota

Lake Havasu community leaders and Special Olympics athletes gathered at Calvary Baptist Sweetwater Campus for the fifth Annual Breakfast of Champions Thursday morning. The breakfast honored the athletes and also informed community leaders about the Special Olympics program.

Guest speakers included Lisa Ball, Brenda Johnson, Andrea Foote, and Chief Stirling of the Lake Havasu City Police Department. During the breakfast, athletes were also interviewed on stage by Andrea Foote, and told the crowd what their favorite part of Special Olympics is.

Without hesitation, most  of the them answered “being with my friends.” The panel of athletes included Ryder Bliss, Amorcita Abad, Al Rachet, Lindsey Leher, Nick Anderson and Ron Allen.

“Bowling and cheer,” is what Nick Anderson said when he was asked what his favorite part of Special Olympics was.

The group, as well as the LHCPD, also are preparing for the upcoming Torch Run which will be April 6.

Here are photos from the event.

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Pastor Pete Burnell Champions. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

LHUSD Superintendent Rebecca Stone speaks at the Breakfast of Champions. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Lisa BallChampions. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

LHCPD Chief Troy Stirling Champions. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Brenda Johnson Champions. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Ron Allen, Amorcita Abad, and Al Rachet speak at the Breakfast of Champions Thursday morning. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Andrea Foote interviews Lindsey Leher at the Breakfast of Champions Thursday morning. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Ryder Bliss and Nick Anderson speak at the Breakfast of Champions Thursday morning. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene