Local students participate in Special Olympics
Published 3:19 pm Friday, April 27, 2018
- Star Photo/Curtis Carden Youth from across the region showcased their athletic ability during the annual Upper East TN Area 3 Special Olympics at the ETSU Mini-Dome Friday. Pictured, a Lady Cyclone cracks a small during a ball-throwing competition.
An annual tradition continued to pick up traction Friday afternoon on the East Tennessee State University campus.
Area students, from elementary to high school age, from surrounding counties in Northeast Tennessee strived for gold during the annual Upper East Tennessee Area 3 Special Olympics held at the MSHA Mini-Dome.
Following up the opening ceremonies, children from Carter, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington counties spread out across the dome to share in fellowship, fun and competition.
“This event has been going on now for many, many years,” said Rachel Simpson, Area 3 Special Olympics co-director. “This provides an athlete an opportunity to not only compete, but also get a sense of camaraderie with other people they may not see every day.”
Area 3 action actually kicked off on Thursday with athletes 22 years and older showing their heart and dedication in events. Friday saw students, teachers, family members and volunteers join together for the “Parade of Athletes” — which ultimately concluded with the lighting of the Olympic flame at the center of the Mini-Dome.
During the day, students participated in different events, including the 50-, 100-, 200 and 400-meter dashes and different jumping and ball-throwing events.
Fun doesn’t stop after Friday’s slew of activities with the summer games right around the bend.
“We actually have our state summer games,” Simpson explained. “They take place May 18 and 19. Those games allow athletes here to move on to a higher level and compete with other athletes from across the state.”
According to Area 3, the summer games are set to take place at Lipscomb University and Ensworth High School in Nashville.
The Tennessee branch of the Special Olympics is broken up into 33 volunteer offices, including Area 3. Six statewide events happened each year, including the summer games, golf, flag football, fall classic and the winter games.
Simpson added the local branch is always seeking volunteers and participants for the different events. To learn more, email area3ovolunteers@gmail.com or Area 3 Special Olympics Facebook page.
