School System to Host Annual Special Olympic Games Friday

Seventy students will compete in the annual Stephens County Special Olympics tomorrow, April 12.

The event will take place at the Reservation at Stephens County High School. Opening Ceremonies will start at 10 a.m. with a parade of student-athletes. The events will conclude at 1:15 p.m.

Brandy Stacy, Director of Exceptional Children, stated, “Our special education student-athletes are extremely excited about this day to shine and have been working hard with their teachers and “buddies” preparing for the event. 

Each Special Olympian is assigned a “buddy,” a middle or high school student, who will encourage and support them throughout the competitions.

In addition to the competitive events ranging from soccer kick to track events, the students will be treated to crafts, face-painting, snacks, and McDonald’s Happy Meals.

Stacy said, “We couldn’t host this annual event without our team of supporters from the Special Olympics committee to the numerous business sponsors and volunteers. It truly is a community effort and the reward for all of us is to see the joy and excitement on the students’ faces as they celebrate their abilities.”

Families are welcome to attend. Visitors should report to the “home-side” ticket booth area. Chick-fil-A of Toccoa will be selling lunch for guests as well.

The event will be held rain or shine, with the games being moved from the football field to the Currahee Arena basketball gym in case of inclement weather.