Tim Tebow honors 'kings and queens' with special needs in worldwide prom
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Tim Tebow's favorite night of the year has finally arrived.
The outspoken Christian athlete and his wife, Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, visited three international locations ahead of Friday's "Night to Shine" events, in which more than 720 churches across the United States and in more than 30 countries host more than 115,000 guests aged 14 and up, all of them with special needs.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"We have decided to go out of our way to make the biggest, the most special night of the year for people with special needs because they're worth it and they're special," Tebow told Fox News.
Over 200,000 volunteers have prepared for the sixth annual celebration, where they rolled out the red carpet - literally - and guests were met with cheering paparazzi. The girls got their makeup done and the boys their shoes shined. Then they joined together for a catered dinner with party favors and activities, including dancing and karaoke.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The highlight of the night comes when each honored guest is crowned Prom King or Prom Queen as everyone cheers.
Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters puts makeup on one of the guests at the "Night to Shine" in Albania. (Tim Tebow Foundation)
Many shared about the big night online.
Mike Burnside shared photos of his daughter, Kenzi, in Tulsa.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"She has been counting down the weeks and is ready for prom night," Burnside wrote. "Nails done, hair fixed, evening gown donned, my 'little' girl has grown into a beautiful young lady. She will be enjoying this night!"
Rob Stealey posted a video of the red carpet entrance at Elevation Church in Charlotte.
Each church hosting had different ways of celebrating. Jennifer Garcia posted a video of balloons being dropped from the ceiling.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"Love this night, mission and message," she wrote.
The Salem Police Department partnered with Salem Alliance Church to put on the big prom.
The officers wrote they are grateful to "provide a safe atmosphere for our special needs friends who arrived in limos to a crowd of cheering fans and paparazzi."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Boynton Beach Police Department in Florida posted a highlight video.
"It was their Night to Shine, and we’re proud to have been there," the officers wrote.
Maria Durant posted a vidoe of dancing at the Rock City Church in Columbus, Ohio.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"Incredible evening at Night to Shine. So honored to be a part of a truly special evening...so much goodness!" Durant wrote.
Tebow and Nel-Peters made a few surprise visits Friday night, and the newlyweds, who tied the knot in South Africa last month, celebrated their first-ever "Night to Shine" in Paris this year.
"We've been all around the world the last few weeks," Tebow said.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Tim Tebow fist bumps a guest at the "Night to Shine" in Albania. (Tim Tebow Foundation)
"It's been a crazy journey...so great!" Nel-Peters added.
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"It's just a dream come true for me because, being able to bring 'Night to Shine' around the world, to honor people with special needs, to fight for people who can't fight for themselves ... it's so fun to see and experience it!"
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The worldwide movement is sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation.