Local Athletes Assist Special Olympics
HUNTSVILLE- Members of the Bob Jones and James Clemens football programs were among 1,500 volunteers who made a huge difference in the success of the 50th anniversary of the Madison County Area Special Olympics Track and Field Meet held at Huntsville’s Milton Frank Stadium.
“The day was awesome and was such a great experience for everyone involved,” said Bob Jones senior linebacker Kade Koler who was one of the volunteers.
Perfect weather conditions met the 615 participants ranging in ages eight and older who participated in a bevy of different track and field events including running throwing and jumping. Those with special needs throughout Madison County including adults took their chances at athletic prowess. The oldest participant was 70 years old.
Bob Jones receiver Demontrez Brown has a cousin with special needs and Brown has spent a lot of good quality time with his cousin and has learned how to treat those with special needs and how loving and caring those with special needs can be. He added, “I think this was something that every high school athlete should do at least once. I loved it.”
“We couldn’t function correctly and host this event every year if it wasn’t for the 1, 500 volunteers who come out to lend a hand or encouragement to those with special needs,” said Kay Scott, event coordinator and director of the Madison County Area Special Olympics. “Our youth volunteers each have a new appreciation of their own life and the life of others after going through the event.”
The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition for both children and adults with special needs. Each participant received a ribbon for participating during awards ceremonies. All schools, home schooled students and local facilities housing those with disabilities were invited to participate. Competitions were divided into age, sex and ability divisions. Each participant had two escorts and each running event had an official hugger in each lane.
“Smiles were everywhere and one adult volunteer said this was the best day of the year for them,” said Scott.
“I always saw those with special needs never got enough attention and I think just helping them receive that attention at the meet meant a lot to them,” said Kohler. “The day brought a lot of joy into their life.”
Jaylen Williams was one of 21 football players from Bob Jones to assist in the festivities. He has had a connection to special needs as both a cousin and uncle are autistic. Williams assisted a Sparkman High special needs student named Jordan whom was looking forward to partaking in the mini-javelin throw. Williams said, “I showed Jordan how to throw the javelin and how to use his hips in the toss. Jordan did great. He finished first in the javelin and was in second place in the 200-meter run. Seeing Jordan feel special made me feel special.”
Disabilities became the norm just for a few hours one sunny pleasant day among the plethora of activity at the Special Olympics Meet. Brown, who has committed to Troy University to continue his play in football upon graduating from Bob Jones next year, helped his special needs student whose name was Johnny. Brown added, “It was great being able to teach me how to throw the mini-javelin.”
With smiles as bright as the sun-filled sky, Brown added, “There were lots of hugs. Lots of love of there, today.”
