HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Well, it's time to sprint across that finish line for the local Limestone County, Athens City, Spring Track and Field Special Olympics.
Track and Field Special Olympics participant, Maggie Gregg expressed that her favorite event is the 100 meter run. "I've done this more than once. "I just love running. I love to represent my state and our county."
Athens City Schools Special Olympics Co-Coordinator Charity Rogers sees this event as a stepping stone to the state event, which takes place in Troy, in May, each year. "We have a javelin throw, a shotput throw, we have a tennis and or a softball throw, depending on ability. And then, we also have our track events that are anywhere from a ten meter assisted walk, wheelchair run, up to a relay run. And we can take up to 40 athletes with qualifying scores and either the track or the field event, and that gives them the opportunity to showcase their ability to the state level as well as national and world level."
The camaraderie is also another aspect that stems from these events. "I look out in the stands, I see so much camaraderie and friendship and they just get to be themselves. Everything that makes them unique is celebrated today. Whether it's seeing old friends, whether it's seeing old teachers. It's just they get that opportunity to just be kids and just have a good time and showcase what they're good at."
Furthermore, for Rogers, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. "If you ever get the opportunity to come out and spend the day at a special Olympics event, take it, make the time to do it, and you will be exposed to a level of sportsmanship that you never thought was possible."
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