Biggest crowd ever
Participants, teachers and volunteers enjoy the day as the community comes together.
The forecast called for rain Thursday, but the clouds parted and sun shone on Darlington’s Chris Hunter Stadium as the Floyd County Special Olympics got started.
“Yesterday, everyone was concerned about the weather,” said Tammy Bryant, special populations coordinator for Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation. “But it seems as if it is holding off so we can get our games in.”
Bryant said the crowd this year was the “biggest ever.”
“We have 300 participants this year,” she said. “We are so thankful to all
of the help we’ve received for this event. Darlington is always a wonderful host.”
Tannika Wester, director of communications at Darlington, said this is the seventh year that
Darlington played host to the event. The freshman class takes the helm as the helpers in the games and the cheering sections for the athletes.
“We volunteered as a school one year and our seniors did it as a class project,” Wester explained. “Then we kept hosting and a few years later decided that it would be wonderful for the freshman class to take over.”
The event is a great way for the school to welcome the community in, she added.
“The kids really love and look forward to this every year,” she said. “Our athletic booster club gets together to host the lunch for the teams, too. Seeing how much this means to the participants is something that our students remember always.”
Anna K. Davie Elementary School teacher Michelle Davis said she thinks the Special Olympics is a great experience for anyone.
“It isn’t just good for our kids, it is good for the teachers and the volunteers,” she said.
Mysty Osbourne, one of the many competitors, smiled at her family as they took her picture with her first blue ribbon, which she won for the soccer ball kick.
“I’m just hanging out today, having a good time and seeing all my friends,” Osbourne said.
Her mom, Kathy Proudfoot, said the event is something their family looks forward to every year.
“This is a special time for us,” Proudfoot said. “We started coming as soon as she was old enough and after she graduated, we continued to come because she loves it so much. She sings now with the Just As I Am choir and loves to participate in a few of the games.”