More than 200 athletes in Robeson County, young and old, got a chance on Wednesday to demonstrate their special skills.
They competed in Robeson County Special Olympics Spring Games, which were held under sunny skies and 70-degree temperatures at Purnell Swett High School, and offered a chance to win a ribbon — and much more.
“Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt,” said William Locklear, a participant and a student at Prospect Middle School, over the loud speaker just before the games. The words he had read were well known to many of the athletes, including 14-year-old Caitlyn Adams.
Adams, who like all participants in the Special Olympics struggles with an intellectual disability, has participated in the Special Olympics games for three years.
“She loves it. She has been coming for a few years now and she just loves getting together with other children and having fun,” said Adams’ mother, Nicole Fairfax. “But she does take the oath to heart. Everyone is a winner here.”
Adams, who won a first place ribbon for the long jump, was at the event representing Littlefield Middle. Though many of the more than 230 participants on hand were there representing Robeson County schools, being in school, or even of school age, is not a requirement to participate.
“To me the most important thing is that you give opportunity to athletes who wouldn’t normally be afforded this opportunity to compete,” said event coordinator Sandra Evans. “A lot of people think that this is just for Robeson County school students, but it is open to any individual with intellectual disability … I have somebody who is 78 years old competing today. She is competing in two wheelchair events.”
More than 1,200 people, including volunteers and family members, cheered on athletes. Also in attendance were Assistant Superintendent Tommy Lowry, Superintendent Johnny Hunt and Pastor Donald Bullard of Harpers Ferry Baptist Church, who read an invocation just before the game.
“We love holding the games at our schools,” Hunt said. “We have done it every year for longer than I can remember. More than 30 years, that’s for sure.”
Besides the long jump, other competitions included the tennis and softball throw, the shot put, running and walking events, as well as wheelchair races.
The annual games are a small part of the national Special Olympics organization that was founded in 1968 as a way of encouraging children and adults with intellectual disabilities to challenge themselves, develop physical fitness and most of all, have fun.
Locally, more than 190 athletes train year-round in five sports, and compete in local, state and regional events. The Special Olympics of Robeson County has partnered with Robeson County Schools for use of facilities and equipments.
