Carroll County Students Shine at Special Olympics

HUNTINGDON (April 10) — Carroll County students with varying abilities displayed their athletic prowess Friday morning during the county’s annual Special Olympics, held at Huntingdon’s Paul Ward Stadium for the fifth year.

Kicking off the event, Huntingdon High School junior Caleb Griswold delivered the Special Olympics oath: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” Concluding the oath, Griswold announced, “Let the games begin!”

And the games began. Students of all ages rotated from sport to sport, competing in a softball throw, Jump the Brook, mini hurdles, a 40-meter dash, a soccer goal kick, a hula hoop station, limbo, a bubble station, bowling, a Nerf football throw and a parachute game.

Huntingdon Special School District’s Director of Special Education, Christy Carey, highlighted the joy displayed across Paul Ward Stadium.

“You can’t be sad on a day like today,” Carey said. “It’s just the best.”

The event ended with a small ceremony recognizing the athletes. Volunteers presented each student with a ribbon or medal for their participation in the games. Ribbons were donated by Dr. Clinton Smith, area director for the Upper West Region for Special Olympics Tennessee.

“These kids don’t always get the recognition that all of their peers get to experience. This is a day for them,” Carey said.

The day succeeded in part due to a collaboration between all county school districts and Bethel University. Faculty and student volunteers from each school assisted students with activities throughout the morning, offering their support when needed and helping students feel like champions.

Huntingdon High School’s Mustang Mentors and Teen Health Council members also took a lead role in the event, running games and providing participants with snacks and water bottles.

The event had a total of 102 participants. Ten were from Hollow Rock-Bruceton Special School District, 25 were from South Carroll Special School District, 17 were from West Carroll Special School District, 26 were from McKenzie Special School District, and 24 were from Huntingdon Special School District.