Stephens Co. Special Olympics Spring Games This Week

Stephens County’s annual Special Olympics event is coming up later this week.

The actual games are Friday morning at the Stephens County High School football stadium.

However, Stephens County Special Olympics Public Relations Chair Letty Beatty said that everything will actually kick off Thursday at 7 p.m. with a pep rally at the stadium.

“We are so excited about kicking off our 2015 Special Olympic Spring event with a pep rally,” said Beatty. “We wanted to do something to invite the community and to also really make the athletes for the Stephens County Special Olympics feel special. We have Cory Cleveland coming and his band. They are going to give a little concert there at the stadium.”

Beatty said the athletes will meet their buddies at the event as well.

The public is invited Thursday night and admission is free, but donations will be accepted.

Friday’s activities start at 9 a.m. at the high school football stadium with a parade featuring athletes and area dignitaries.

Beatty said the athletes will compete in three events each; a throw, run/walk, and jump, each based on their ability.

Also, Beatty said the wheelchair students will have three events designed especially for them.

In all, over 100 athletes are expected to participate.

There are other activities scheduled for Friday as part of the Special Olympic games.

Beatty said one is an “Olympic Town” that is designed for the athletes.

“The Olympic Town is so fun and it is just amazing to watch the athletes as they come through,” said Beatty. “All ages from five to adult. We have some local business and organizations helping us out.”

Beatty said there would be a number of different activities for the athletes, including the Stephens County Middle School FFA with a petting zoo, the Middle School FCCLA with cupcake decorating, Toccoa Fire Station 11 with a fire truck, along with coloring, face painting, and more.

Also, Drone Photography USA will be back to do aerial shots and several photographers will also be on the ground for action shots.

Beatty encouraged everyone to come out Friday and cheer on the athletes.

“It is such a blessing to be there and experience their excitement,” said Beatty. “We really need the public and the community to be involved. We depend on the community. It is the only way we can run this program.”