in collaboration with Coach Julie Evans, Adapted Physical Education, Clarke County School District, Special Olympics Local Coordinator

The numbers say it all: 65 athletes attended the indoor Georgia Special Olympics

They competed in 7 sports:  3 on 3 basketball, ramp bowling, team bowling, unified team bowling, floor hockey team, floor hockey skills and artistic gymnastics

31 chaperones went with them, including volunteers from UGA, long-time Special Olympics volunteers, CCSD teachers, para-educators, staff and bus drivers

Winning all 3 games, the 3 on 3 basketball team brought home the gold medal for their division

Floor hockey team brought home the silver medal (and most of the members of this team haven’t ever played a team sport before and were ecstatic by their win in the final game)

Coming up are the Local Games at Clarke Central High School on April 4, and the Area Games at Athens Christian School on April 27.

Then on May 18-20, the Georgia State Summer Games will be held at Emory University in Atlanta.   Athletes will participate in Soccer skills, Aquatics, Rhythmic Gymnastics and Flag Football during the Summer Games.

Currently, the Georgia Special Olympics are fully staffed for volunteers, but the athletes and organizers always love to have community members attend events as “fans in the stands,” cheering and supporting the athletes.

In addition to your time and support, financial contributions of any amount are always accepted and greatly appreciated.  Race and athlete sponsors are also needed for our annual race, held in November each year.

For more information or to donate to Georgia Special Olympics, contact Julie Evans, Special Olympics Local Coordinator, at evansju@clarke.k12.ga.us.