Exciting and Heartwarming Marshall County Special Olympics Event Brings Participants Together in Fun and Friendship | Local News, Sports, Employment

The Marshall County Special Olympics brought together athletes, students, and community members for a day of competition and camaraderie at John Marshall High School’s soccer field. The event featured 150 Special Olympic athletes who were paired up with about 200 high school students from John Marshall and Cameron high schools for various activities.

One highlight of the day was a generous donation of $3,500 from the Fish Crick Chicks & Friends, a group that raises money annually for autism awareness. The donation will help the Marshall County Friends of Special Athletes purchase essential items for future events, such as T-shirts, equipment, and sunblock.

Lori Caldwell, a special education teacher at JMHS, emphasized the importance of the event in fostering relationships between the special athletes and their peer tutors. She highlighted the impact of the high school students’ involvement in developing compassion and understanding for individuals with differences.

In addition to the sports competitions, the event featured games, arts and crafts, and a concession stand. JM’s Pro-Start class prepared 500 lunches for the participants, and Monarch Medical provided physicals for the athletes. Nana’s Landing of Glen Dale also contributed by supplying food for the concession stand and donating the sales back to the organization.

Overall, the Marshall County Special Olympics was a heartwarming and inclusive event that showcased the power of community support and the joy of coming together to celebrate diversity and inclusion.