ROCKINGHAM – The morning of Tuesday, May 8, the numerous athletes, family members, fans, and volunteers were present at Raider Stadium in Rockingham for a reason other than a football game or track meet.
The Special Olympics of Richmond County was held, bringing together students from the county’s programs serving children and adults with special needs. Head Start programs from Fayetteville Street, South Hamlet, and Washington Street were in attendance for the first time this year. Students from the elementary schools at East Rockingham, Fairview Heights, Mineral Springs, and Monroe Avenue were also present. Hamlet Middle School, Cordova Middle School, and Rockingham Middle School students also participated in the competitions, as well as the Ninth Grade Academy, Richmond Senior High School, and a large group of Community Adults.
Competitions occurred in tennis and softball throw, standing broad jump, running long jump, and the 25 yard and 50 yard dashes. Theressa Smith, the organizer for the event, was seen all over the field, assisting with volunteer assignments and making sure that everything ran smoothly. She was assisted by Jeanine Wall, who has been part of Richmond County Special Olympics when it first started in the late 70’s, as well as Leroy Crowder. They both have grandsons that have been part of Special Olympics for many years. Mrs. Wall’s grandson Joshua Daxley participated in equestrian events in his younger years and was given the quarter horse “Red Ted” by his Moore County sponsors when the horse was retired.
A parade of Special Olympic athletes accompanied by their volunteers was held to officially open the ceremony. Sheriff James Clemmons and Rockingham Police Chief William Kelly led the parade carrying the Flame of Hope as the group marched around the track, returning to the home bleachers. Associate Superintendent Dr. Jeff Maples welcomed those in attendance and thanked the numerous volunteers from various organizations throughout the county that made this event possible for the many athletes.
Following the presentation of flags, a RSHS Special Olympian led the group in “The Pledge of Allegiance.” The RSHS Chorus sang “The Star Spangled Banner” and “This Is Me” from the movie “The Greatest Showman.” Graduating RSHS senior Raneika Martin, who won a gold medal later in the day in the 50 yard dash, then recited the official Special Olympics oath: “Let me win; but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
Theressa Smith expressed her appreciation for the many groups, businesses, organizations, students, teachers, and volunteers that were part of the events, and had helped to pull everything together to make this a great event for everyone involved. Also, Buddy Roe’s Bike Ride was held earlier this spring, raising more than $6,000 for the Richmond County Special Olympics. Approximately 200 athletes and 400 volunteers were a part of Tuesday’s games.
A first year group of volunteers from RSHS included students Carlos Alcocer, Marco Acoste, Jerry Cortes, Ben Morrison, and Victor Lucero. A junior at the high school, Savannah Lampley shared that the reason she volunteered was she wanted to make sure the child she was assigned to had fun and had a special day.
The children in the Head Start programs participated in a variety of games and activities throughout the morning, enjoying the camaraderie of their assigned volunteers. They enjoyed watching the other sports also. As the events drew to a close, a delicious lunch of hot dogs with all the fixings, chips, cookies, water, and soda was served to the athletes and volunteers.
This is the 50th year that the Special Olympics have been held. The USA Games, including 14 sports and 3,500 athletes, will be held in Seattle, Washington July 1-6, 2018. The official website is www.specialolympics.org. The goal of Special Olympics is to reach out to the 200 million people around the world with intellectual disabilities, creating opportunities for them –and their families- to band together to change attitudes and support them as athletes.
For more information about the North Carolina Special Olympics, you can go to its website www.sonc.net. Summer Games are being held June 1-3, 2018 in Raleigh, and volunteers are needed.
