State Rep. Tandy Darby Secures $250K for Special Olympics

NASHVILLE — State Rep. Tandy Darby, R-Greenfield, secured $250,000 in state funding for Special Olympics of Tennessee.

This funding will assist the organization in providing health screenings, fitness and wellness programming, and positive learning environments in local schools.

“For more than 50 years, Special Olympics of Tennessee has provided children and adults with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to build strength, confidence and friendships,” Darby said. “This funding will help ensure that they can continue to provide their services and positively impact the community.”

Official sports include alpine skiing, bowling, flag football, basketball, golf, powerlifting, tennis, volleyball, and more. According to the organization, as of 2021, there were more than 1,000 registered athletes and unified partners, 60 coaches, and 24 competitions.

The mission of the Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. They strive to give them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and share gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.

The appropriated funds are part of a $52.8 billion zero-debt balanced budget passed by the General Assembly in April. Republican priorities included making significant investments in health care, public safety, education and rural economic development, according to the news release.

Tandy Darby represents District 76 which includes Weakley and part of Carroll and Henry counties. He serves as the vice chairman of the Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee. He is also a member of the Calendar & Rules Committee, Education Instruction Committee, Fiscal Review Committee, Transportation Committee, Select Committee on Rules, Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee and the Transportation Subcommittee.