Kiwanis hosts 20th annual Special Olympics
COSHOCTON – Approximately 350 adults gathered at Kids America on Tuesday, March 18 to participate in the 20th annual Kiwanis Track and Field Day. The event started at 9 a.m. with the walk of champions around the track. Afterward, small groups traveled around the complex to participate in various games including football, corn hole, track and field races, and basketball.
Everyone came back together for lunch and then the grand finale ‘Minute to Win It’ game where participants have one minute to play each game. Some of the games included picking up marshmallows with a straw or catching ping pong balls in plastic cups.
“They all have fun,” said Toby Collins, Coshocton County Board of DD director of recreation and Special Olympics coordinator. “It gives them a sense of pride and self-esteem. It gives them recognition and they’re all together, which they love.”
All adults with special needs from the county as well as Newcomerstown were invited to participate in the Special Olympics. First, second, and third place ribbons were given out to all participants.
“They wear their ribbons on their shirt and come up to you and say, ‘Look what I got’,” said Collins. “They are so proud of themselves.”
Volunteers from the CSI class at Coshocton County Career Center, Kiwanis members, and Coshocton County Board of DD staff members helped with the event. On Thursday, county students with special needs will be able to participate in the Special Olympics at Kids America. This year, face painting and photography will be added to the activities at the students’ event.
In other news, the Hopewell Indians basketball team has been undefeated this season with a 14-0 record. They will be traveling to state at Bowling Green this Friday. The team will leave at 2 p.m. and will be escorted down Main Street in Coshocton by police and fire squads. Come out and show your support for Hopewell’s basketball team this Friday!
Category: Education