“Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” That oath was cried out inside Mike Colwell Memorial Stadium on Thursday, April 16, just before 10 a.m., marking the start of this year’s Towns-Union Special Olympics.
The event happens twice annually, and the brilliant blue sky and warm spring weather ensured a beautiful day for local athletes to enjoy the support of an uplifting community.
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In all, about 130 participants from a variety of age groups took part in the fun, which included a run/walk/roll on the track, soccer distance kick, softball throw and standing long jump.
Students from Union County Schools, Towns County Schools and Tate Academy made up the bulk of the athletes, but many adults also participated, representing Avita Community Partners.
Thanks to a partnership between Union County Schools and Towns County Schools, the pair alternate hosting the Special Olympics, held once in the spring and once in the fall.
Relative newcomers in the form of Tate Academy were no less welcome. As a private school specializing in teaching students with autism, there were three athletes who represented Tate Academy, located in Blairsville.
“I just love (the Special Olympics),” admitted Chastity Brown of Avita, divulging that some athletes are so eager to take part that they go out to Meeks Park and practice. “I don’t think a lot of people realize just how important it is to our group.”
One adult athlete, Sabrina Berger, is always excited to participate because it gives her a chance to get pumped up with exercise. She especially loves soccer and feels healthier for focusing on her athleticism. Fellow Avita athlete Justin Beasley agreed, having a blast with the softball throw.
Along with the competition itself, activity stations were set up for folks to enjoy between sporting events. Student volunteers from both school systems helped paint faces, blow up balloons, play checkers or volleyball and other athletics, or just socialize.
Union County High School Principal Josh Davis noted the remarkable attendance of High School and Middle School students coming out to support the efforts that day, whether as volunteers or to cheer in the stands.
Two new tents were included in the event, one for the North Georgia Technical College GED Program at the Shirley Miller Adult Education Center for Lifelong Learning, and another for the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, though the latter wandered among the athletes to provide a little extra joy.
Dena Randall confirmed this was the first year the alliance was present at the Special Olympics. She found that her dog, Miss Snuggles, was popular indeed, with her mini visor and sunglasses. It’s through the actions of one of ATD’s own, Amy Henson, that the group hopes to become a new staple at the event.
“I volunteer every year (with the school),” explained Henson, who brought her dog, Penny, to socialize with anyone who wanted to pet her. With Henson’s help, ATD decided to join her at the Special Olympics.
Farther down the field, Alyssa Cunningham provided some information – and goodies – on behalf of North Georgia Tech. Although some were drawn by the stickers and candy, the help that GED classes provide can open up countless opportunities.
“It’s free to sign up – all the classes are free,” revealed Cunningham, adding that all the testing is free as well, and that although there is no English as a second language class currently, the option may become available in the future.
Through it all, everyone mingled freely on the field or cheered from the sidelines, simply happy to spend time together and support each other. Students of all ages were spotted playing together until lunch, at which time groups took turns lining up at the grill to get their hot dogs and chips.
Theo Kearnes, 10, of Union County, for example, enjoyed some downtime after receiving great cheers and applause from his classmates for sprinting down the track as part of his favorite sport, running.
In the Towns County tent, Jase Moss, a student athlete in fourth grade, cooled off with some Gatorade and was of the belief that the Special Olympics was “so awesome” since he had a ton of fun.
Towns County Special Education Director Dr. Victoria Stroud spoke for many of her colleagues when expressing that, while it took a lot of effort and planning to coordinate community involvement and organize the event, the Special Olympics would always be worth the work.
“We’re just so grateful for the amount of people that come together and make such a special day for all of our students and athletes,” Stroud said.
