Finding Solutions: High energy, big smiles at Columbia County Special Olympics
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Ribbons, cheers, and laughter during Columbia County’s Special Olympic Games!
Five hundred student-athletes took to Lakeside High School to participate in a day of sporting events.
If you were there, you know that it was hard to not leave without a smile on your face as kids throughout the county had the time of their lives.
The energy inside Lakeside High School’s stadium was out of this world.
Excitement from not only the athletes but also their biggest ers.
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“Watching Paris just do her thing on the track is just a joy to see her smile, to see her excitement, to see the she is getting from the buddies and cheers. It’s a joy.”
Minimarie Andrews-Hardy was just one of hundreds of family and friends cheering on their athlete.
“It means a lot as a parent and caregiver of a child that has autism to have the district put together activities such as the special Olympics to let us know as parents that our children are just as equal as far as their interests, talents and abilities,” said Hardy.
From bocce ball to sling pin and meter races, ribbons were flying off the wall for everyone who participated.
Kaleb Steele is no stranger to the special Olympic games.
It’s something he’s participated in year after year, and now he’s a senior.
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“It’s exciting to have an opportunity for our son to come out and participate and honestly for the county to recognize and show the value of all humans including those who are not neurotypical or have some special ability,” said Kevin Steele, Kaleb’s dad. “We are pumped up for him and it’s his favorite day of the year.”
Kaleb’s dad says he’s come along way from once not walking or talking to now doing all of those things and more.
“He began to walk later and talk later, but he has a magnetic smile and we always noticed that he was special in a lot of different ways,” said Kevin. “Its been hard, but at the same time, we’ve seen God’s grace provide along the way and give us strength in the journey.”
A journey that’s different for everyone, and something we can learn from.
“We can learn a lot from the participant’s perseverance, joy and learn how to not sweat the small things and just enjoy life,” said Hardy.
Your Will Rioux and Zayna Halliburton were honored to serve as the emcees for the opening ceremony.
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