Jaren Gragg
MNJ Contributor
BAKERSVILLE — The Special Olympics is the world’s largest sports organization for individuals with intellectual disabilities, serving nearly 5 million athletes across more than 170 countries. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Special Olympics was created to provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to compete. Giving these athletes opportunities that were largely unavailable at the time. The inaugural games, held at Soldier Field in Chicago, brought together approximately 1,000 athletes from 26 U.S. states and Canada.
Competitors took part in a variety of track and field events, marking a significant shift in how athletes with disabilities were viewed and supported. The first games proved to be a turning point, emphasizing what athletes could achieve rather than their limitations. Following that early success, the Special Olympics expanded rapidly throughout the 1970s and 1980s, both across the United States and internationally. The introduction of the Winter Games soon followed, further broadening opportunities for competition.
Today, the Special Olympics continues to grow, offering year-round competition for athletes while in the community. For more than 50 years, the organization has advanced its founding message: that individuals, when given the opportunity, can achieve extraordinary things.
On Friday, Mitchell County High School carried on that tradition as athletes, families, and community members gathered to celebrate and participate in the Special Olympics Mitchell County Spring Games. Throughout the day, parents, teachers, volunteers, and other supporters filled the stands, cheering on competitors across the field during each event. Jenni Dellinger and Michelle Lord, co-coordinators of the event at Mitchell High School, said athletes competed in a variety of events, including the long jump, softball throw, tennis ball throw, javelin, and other track competitions. They estimated that approximately 100 athletes participated in the event.
Dellinger and Lord also noted that around 150 community and student volunteers helped make the day possible, supporting events and encouraging competitors throughout the competition. Both said the event marked the first time in 10 years that the Special Olympics had been held at Mitchell High School. They emphasized the planning and teamwork required to organize the event, adding that it would not have been possible without the twelve-person team that they had. Both agreed that the months of preparation were well worth it to see the event come together.
“It is very rewarding to see all of the hard work pay off,” Dellinger said. “It’s extremely rewarding to see all of the athletes with their awards and to be able to compete.” She added that being able to host an event for all competitors is especially meaningful. “They enjoy this day so much, and they get to show off their skills. They look forward to people cheering them on.” Anthony Braswell and Katie Lewis, who competed in running events and the softball throw, said they trained for several months leading up to the Special Olympics. Braswell said it had been “fun” to compete in front of friends and that it was “nice” to have the support of the crowd cheering him on. Lewis said she hopes people recognize that “we are athletes too.” She added that being an athlete is for everyone, you just have to “bring some effort.” Both said the most important part of competing is to have “fun.”
Treecie Casper, an EC teacher at Avery High School, said that while the Special Olympics involves competition, the event represents more than winning trophies. She explained that athletes become part of a community, gain independence, and develop life skills through participation. The athletes, she said, often “come out of their shells.” One of the most rewarding parts of the day, she added, is being able to “see their faces and all of their accomplishments.” Casper said the athletes proved they belonged on the field and expressed appreciation for the com-munity’s support. “They can do anything anybody else can do, and they proved it today,” she said. She added that seeing the smiles and effort from all of the athletes made the day worthwhile.
Dellinger and Lord also emphasized that opportu-nities extend beyond the spring games, with programs taking place throughout the year. They said weightlifting is getting underway at the local YMCA, and equestrian lessons are offered through the school system. For more information on upcoming events and additional sports, including basketball and bocce, for athletes to par-ticipate in, visit the Special Olympics North Carolina website or follow its Facebook page.