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Special Olympics event a success

By Derrick Forsythe, Record Staff Writer
Posted 11/7/19

Nearly 800 participants, including athletes from 11 different schools, poured into the Wright City High School athletic complex Friday, May 12, for a Special Olympics event. Weather conditions were …

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Special Olympics event a success

Posted
By Derrick Forsythe, Record Staff Writer
Nearly 800 participants, including athletes from 11 different schools, poured into the Wright City High School athletic complex Friday, May 12, for a Special Olympics event.Weather conditions were ideal this time, after the event initially had to be postponed due to rain. Athletes beamed with smiles and donned medals proudly in a showing of their accomplishments as the day progressed.The event began with a torch run and an appearance by St. Louis Cardinals mascot Fredbird.“I thought the event went great and was a huge success,” said event coordinator Jennifer Werner, who is a Wright City Middle School teacher. “I think our community really came together to pull off the event. It was a bunch of sponsorships and support from the school district and volunteers that helped make this go over so well.”Athletes participated in 12 different events, including softball and mini javelin throw, long jump and a multitude of running events. There was also a young athlete obstacle course for the 3- to 7-year-olds.First- through third-place finishers in each event received medals, while fourth place was awarded a ribbon. Local emergency officials helped present the medals and congratulate participants.“They’re still competing against others with similar abilities,” explained Werner. “It was nice having law enforcement and fire department there and having the community interact in positive ways.”Many students from the high school, including members of the track team, helped run the events and provide support.“It’s good to help the community and be here for the kids to allow them to express themselves and have fun,” said Wright City junior Sean McDonald, who assisted with the throwing events.“Seeing them out here enjoying themselves makes me want to be a better person.”In addition to the volunteers, each athlete was paired with a buddy for the day.“The best part was seeing our volunteers interacting with athletes and watching student buddies interacting with athletes and stepping up to show leadership, patience and acceptance,” said Werner. “It was amazing to see how people’s hearts really opened up.”Werner says she is hopeful this can become an annual event for Wright City but stressed that it will take continued support and extensive planning on the behalf of the community and school. “It’s amazing how people’s hearts really opened up during this event,” said Werner. “I’m hopeful we can continue.”

Participants in one of the running events show their enthusiasm during the Special Olympics held at Wright City High School on Friday, May 12. Athletes competed in a plethora of 12 events, with first through third place receiving medals. Record photo/ Derrick Forsythe.

Wright City Firefighter Keith Terry places a medal around the neck of a participant during the Special Olympics event held at Wright City High School on Friday, May 12. Emergency officials helped distribute medals to the first- through third-place finishers. Record photo/Derrick Forsythe.

A participant competes in the softball throw during the Special Olympis event held at Wright City High School on Friday, May 12. Around 800 people took part in the event, with athletes from 11 different schools competing. Record photo/Derrick Forsythe.

A participant does a celebration dance after receiving his medal during the Special Olympics event held at Wright City High School on Friday, May 12. Athletes from 11 different schools took part in a range of 12 different competitions. Record photo/Derrick Forsythe.

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