Darlington Class of 2018 to host Special Olympics

Darlington’s freshman class will partner with the Rome-Floyd Parks & Recreation Authority to host the Floyd County Special Olympics on the School’s campus Thursday, April 9. Approximately 265 athletes will participate in the event representing Rome City Schools and Floyd County Schools, as well as others from within the community.

“We are so thankful to have Darlington as a partner for our spring games for the sixth consecutive year,” said Tammy Bryant, Special Olympics coordinator. “The School offers so much to our Special Olympics programs through the tremendous student and staff support that helps us to conduct these events.”

The parade lineup will begin at 9:30 a.m. and ceremonies will start at 10 a.m. at Darlington’s Chris Hunter Stadium. Participants will compete in running events; softball throw; standing long jump; soccer kick; and wheel chair, trike and assisted walk races.

The public is invited to attend and support our local Special Olympics athletes.

All 87 Darlington freshmen will volunteer to help with the Special Olympics festivities. They will assist with athletic events, concessions, food preparation and most importantly, they will cheer on the participants. Darlington's Athletic Booster Club will also host lunch for the Special Olympics athletes.

For more information or questions about the Floyd County Special Olympics, 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.

Click here to view photos from this year's Special Olympics event.