Athletes shine at Greene County's first Special Olympics since 2019
Photo from RADD (Raising Awareness for the Developmentally Disabled) Facebook Page.
Snow Hill - Greene County Schools and the Greene County Parks and Recreation Department recently hosted the first Special Olympics in Greene County since 2019. According to Co-Chair and GCS EC Transition Coordinator Holly Aycock, “I'm not sure how many years we have participated. However, I have been here for 26 years, so I know it's been that long.” This year, Mike Anderson, the Parks and Rec Director, co-chaired the event.
The event was held on April 21, 2023, at the Greene County Wellness Center. A total of 81 athletes participated this year from GCHS, GCMS, GCIS, WG, SHP, and adult athletes from the community. We also had 23 participants in the Young Athletes Program, which is for athletes under the age of 3. YAP participants were from GC PreK, TenderLove, SHP, and WG.
Athletes participated in everything from track and field events such as running long jump and standing long jump to softball throw, mini javelin, and a variety of running/walking events.
According to Aycock, “Special Olympics is so wonderful because it gives everyone the chance to shine. Athletes shine while participating in their events, and volunteers shine by supporting athletes. It's a wonderful experience for everyone!”
Mrs. Edna Howell, EC Teacher at GCMS, said that it helped compel her students to the idea of “A Champion in the Making”. Mrs. Emily Kearney, who is a Teacher at GCMS and parent of a student who participated, called the Special Olympics “amazing”. She also said, “Greene County does an amazing job with Special Olympics every year. It is always a day full of smiles and lots of cheering for some really amazing athletes!”
Volunteers from the community, Greene Central HS, and Greene Co Early College ran events, provided lunch or worked with athletes. We were also supported by many local businesses and individuals that gave monetary donations.
Each year, a team of people from across the school system and the county come together to form a Games Management Team. That team includes representatives from GC schools, our community, and high school students that give their time and support to Special Olympics.
If you or your business would like to get involved in next year's event, you can find out more details by contacting either Holly Aycock with Greene County Schools or Mike Anderson, the Greene County Director of Parks and Recreation.
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