Darlington’s Class of 2010 will partner with the Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority to host the Special Olympics on campus Thursday, April 29. Approximately 250 athletes will participate in this event, representing Rome City Schools, Floyd County Schools, the Georgia School of the Deaf and Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital.
“We are excited to partner with Darlington’s senior class,” said Tammy Bryant, Special Olympics coordinator. “Their willingness to volunteer and provide use of their beautiful facilities for this year’s games embodies the spirit of what Special Olympics is all about.”
The parade lineup will begin at 9:30 a.m. and ceremonies will start at 10 a.m. at Darlington’s Chris Hunter Stadium. Opening ceremonies will include a performance by the Just As I Am Choir and One Step at a Time Dance Club. Participants will compete in running events, softball throw, standing long jump, soccer kick, wheel chair races and trike races. The public is invited to attend and support our local Special Olympic athletes.
The event, typically held at Barron Stadium, was moved this year due to stadium renovations. After announcing a need for facilities and volunteers, Darlington’s Class of 2010 decided to take this event on as their senior class project.
"I am extremely excited about volunteering for the Special Olympics because I want to work with children with disabilities when I graduate from college," said senior Emily Braden. "These kids are so amazing. I am proud to be a part of something so incredible and help them achieve something so great. I can't wait to see all of their faces when they cross the finish line. I definitely plan on being right there to give them a giant hug."
All 133 Darlington School seniors will volunteer to help with the Special Olympic festivities. They will assist with athletic events, concessions, food preparation and most importantly, they will cheer on the participants. Darlington will also host lunch for the Special Olympic athletes, during which time Braden and classmate Haley Weed will provide entertainment.
“The Class of 2010 is really looking forward to partnering with Rome-Floyd Parks and Rec to put on this event,” said Tannika King, director of media relations at Darlington School. “Service Beyond Self is not just part of Darlington’s motto; it’s a way of life for our students. When they agree to champion a cause, they truly give all that they have. And the fact that they will be able to work with other young people from Rome and Floyd County makes this event that much more special for them. We are thrilled that the Special Olympics will be hosted at Darlington this year, and we are so proud of our seniors for stepping up and taking this on as their class project.”
For more information or questions about the Floyd County Special Olympics, please call Tammy Bryant at 706-234-0383.
Special Olympics was founded on the belief that people with intellectual disability can, with proper instruction and encouragement, learn, enjoy and benefit from participation in individual and team sports. The goal of Special Olympics is to help bring all persons with intellectual disability into the larger society under conditions whereby they are accepted, respected and given a chance to become productive citizens.
