NATCHEZ — Natchez Mayor Jake Middleton said he has a special place in his heart for the local Special Olympics athletes.

Now, the city will have a special day in recognition of those athletes.

Middleton was on-hand Thursday night at the Eola Hotel when the Mississippi Area 7 Special Olympics hosted its award banquet. He announced that Nov. 3 will now be Special Olympics Day from here on out.

“To me, the efforts of these parents and people who do this because it’s dear to their hearts (should be commended),” Middleton said.

“How can it not be dear to your heart? These kids are just as special as any other kids. I love them to death. They work really hard, and I think it’s wonderful.”

Because of that, Middleton said he thought it necessary to honor these athletes with a special day.

“I’m sure the (Natchez Board of Aldermen) is behind me 100 percent,” Middleton said. “I felt they were deserving of the day. This is their day.”

Tommie Jones, Area 7 director, said she’s been involved with Special Olympics since she graduated from college in 1976, and has spent the last 15 years as director. She said she keeps doing it year after year because of the lives she gets to impact — and because they impact her.

“They mean so much to me because of their drive,” Jones said. “They have a drive to be successful, and even if they’re not successful, they’re still happy.”

And it’s because of their cheerfulness that Jones said she’s able to keep a positive attitude.

“They don’t judge you, and they’re there to accept you for whatever you have to give,” Jones said.

“If you’re down, they will lift you up. They are an inspiration. They’re my strength. When I’m with them, I forget about my problems.”

Kristy Sikes, who competes in bocce, said she’s been involved with the Special Olympics for “a good while.”

“I make them smile and laugh, and they make me smile and laugh,” Sikes said of her fellow athletes.

Specifically, Sikes said she likes to make funny faces, especially for her friend Tony Gamberi.

“When Tony gets upset, I tell him not to pull his hair,” Sikes said.

But Gamberi denied it with an “uh, uh.”

“Yes, I do,” Sikes insisted. “He can’t do anything without me.”

Gamberi said his favorite funny face is when Sikes pulls her ears out.

“She’s funny when I tickle her,” Gamberi said.

For Sikes, bocce is a fun game where she gets to push other people around.

“You have to get the ball lined up with the white ball, and you can knock the other person’s ball out of the way,” Sikes said. “I like that. Bocce’s fun.”