Students and staff in the Wright City R-II School District are excited about an event coming to town Friday, April 28.The high school athletic facilities will play host to the Special Olympics, and teacher Jennifer Werner has been anxiously putting together the final touches.“I’ve coached Special Olympics track for nine years and had a vision a few years ago after going to De Soto and Hermann that we needed to have this in our own community,” Werner said. “After speaking with our administrators and getting their support, I was eager to move forward. There’s a lot of planning and preparation for the event, and we’re hoping it will be a success.”Werner is expecting around 700 people to be in attendance. There are about 200 athletes from 26 schools representing six different districts, including Wright City, Warrenton, Lincoln County and Mexico.Each athlete will be paired with a buddy, and there will be a wealth of volunteers assisting with the operations. Liberty Christian Academy also will be helping facilitate the event.“We’re thrilled that the committee raised enough money to be able to provide all athletes and buddies with hot dogs and bag lunches as well as a different colored T-shirt for each school,” Werner said.The event will kick off at 10 a.m. with an opening ceremony and approximately two hours of athletic competition to follow. The St. Louis Cardinals’ mascot, Fredbird, will be on hand, along with mascots from the St. Louis Blues and River City Rascals, from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m.Athletes ages 3 to 7 will participate in obstacle courses on the football field, while those ages 8 to 22 will pick three events from jumping, throwing, running or walking.“Athletes will be placed into categories based upon their gender and age,” Werner said. “We will also have wheelchair races and assisted events.”There will be a standing and running long jump, T-ball and softball throw and modified version of the javelin throw.The top three finishers in each category will receive gold, silver or bronze medals.“It’s a humbling experience to be able to host this event, and I appreciate the opportunity Wright City has given me to be able to work with all kids,” Werner said.“I think it’s going to be great for our community and really open up the eyes of the helpers and volunteers to be loving and compassionate.”Special Olympics