Children enjoyed athletic events, face painting and popping bubbles at the Anson County Special Olympics event April 26.
Kids competed in the 50-and 100-meter dash, standing long jump, running long jump, tennis ball throw and softball throw. Other non-competitive activities like face painting were also available.
Sylvia Tillman, the event coordinator, said that about 50 athletes ages 8 and above competed while about 15 athletes ages 5-7 participated in non-competitive activities. Those younger children were in the Young Athletes Program, which provides “competition readiness.”
“It is focusing on motor coordination, strength building and preparation for the years when they can compete,” Tillman said.
Each athlete was given an event ribbon for their chosen area of competition. At the end of the event, all of the athletes received a Special Olympics medallion.
About 21 athletes were from Anson High School, four were from Anson Middle School and 25 attend county elementary schools.
David Tamura, 19, a student at Anson High School, will represent Anson County at the North Carolina Special Olympics Summer Games in Raleigh June 3-5. He will compete in the 50-meter run, the standing long jump and the softball throw.
“David’s interest in Special Olympics came through his parents’ involvement in the Civitan Club, which sponsors Special Olympics,” Tillman said.
She added that Tamura has participated in the state games multiple times and that he and his parents plan to attend each year. Tillman hopes that more students will participate in future state games.
About 120 student “buddies” from Anson High School and Anson New Technology High School volunteered for the event.
“Special thanks to the community, school staff, student buddies and families — however they contributed to make it an exciting day of competition for our athletes,” Tillman said.
Dozens of runners participated in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics just days later on April 29. The runners jogged from Lanesboro Correctional Institution in Polkton to Lilesville Elementary School, where the children greeted them.
Reach reporter Imari Scarbrough at 704-994-5471 and follow her on Twitter @ImariScarbrough.
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