Rainy skies did not dampen spirits around the Hub yesterday, with scores of talented disabled athletes convening at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center in Roxbury to compete in the 15th annual Toward Independent Living and Learning Games, a local offshoot of the Special Olympics.

Unlike the Special Olympics, founded by the late Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the TILL games welcomes people with severe disabilities to compete. Nearly 200 athletes from eastern Massachusetts took part, racing in individual and team relay-races around the famed track.

Cheers: John Casanave of Andover gets some encouragement from his brother Dave, right, and nephew Cody during the 11th annual Toward Independent Living and Learning Games yesterday. Photo by Kelvin Ma.

Dancing queen: Deshiya grooves to the music yesterday at an adoption party at BPD headquarters. Photo by Faith Ninivaggi.

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