Mason Rowe can’t contain his excitement after earning a silver medal in the softball throw this past week.
The 2023 Highland Region Games, hosted by Special Olympics Avery County, returned on a recent bright, sunny day after an extended pandemic break.
The pandemic’s effects were still felt as Mitchell and Avery were the lone competing counties. Exceptional Children’s classes from Gouge, Bowman and Mitchell participated.
As the local school-aged athletes loaded their buses, each school sent their athletes off with a traditional send-off— hallways were filled with supporters who waved banners and signs, fellow students gave high-fives to Special Olympics teams as they passed through the halls and cheers of encouragement rang out.
Competition was held in track and field sporting events, including long jump, softball throw, sprints and walking events. Young Athletes events were offered for students under 8.
Special Olympics International requires athletes to be 8 years old to train, compete and earn medals. Following a morning of participating in skills that lead up to official sports, the three Young Athletes in attendance received gift bags full of goodies in lieu of medals.
The 2024 Highland Region Games will return to Mitchell High School next spring. The adult athletes will return to participating in their events following the completion of their updated medical forms.
The school-aged athletes will be completing their eight-week equestrian training at the Appalachian Therapeutic Riding Center this month.