By Stephen Hemelt
L’Observateur

VACHERIE — T.C. Bazile’s passion for sports and his community is well known in St. James Parish.

Soon, the whole world will get a chance to learn of his inspiring story.

T.C., 40, is one of six athletes that will be featured on “Celebrating Champions: 2014 Special Olympics USA Games,” a one-hour television event chronicling the passion, dedication and determination of America’s most inspiring athletes during the week-long celebration of the 2014 USA Games, which will broadcast at 6 p.m. Monday on FOX Sports 1.

The show is produced by WWE, which filmed and chronicled Bazile’s story during the week of Wrestle Mania, which took place April 6 in New Orleans.

The special, hosted by Mike Hill and Molly McGrath of FOX Sports 1’s America’s Pregame, highlights Bazile and five other Special Olympics athletes as they traveled from their hometowns to the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games.

“Viewers will experience a first-hand account of the excitement and pride each athlete exudes while training for, traveling to and participating in the Games,” a press release said.

T.C. said he was excited for the film crew to follow him earlier this year in Vacherie and during his competitions at the Special Olympics in New Jersey, where he performed in the 400-meter run, relay race, shot put and log jump.

“I did a great job,” T.C. said. “I won first place in the 400-meter run. I won first place in the 4X1 Relays. I won first place in the shot put and fourth place in the long jump. I’m excited. I saw a preview (of the show) when I was in New Jersey. Everybody started hollering for me in the arena.”

Show producers said they chose to feature T.C. because he is involved in his community, where he volunteers at a local nursing home and fire department, sings in his church choir and remains active with his former high school football team.

Sister Lisha Bazile, who lives across the street from her brother T.C., said he has been excited since he first heard he was going to Princeton, N.J., for the Special Olympics.

The family is planning a viewing party Monday, and Lisha said she is looking forward to seeing footage of T.C. competing and in his element at church, the fire department and running up the levee in front of Oak Alley Plantation.