Special athletes shine at Olympics
By JARED PUTNAM Union Sentinel Editor

Sentinel photo/Jared Putnam Matthew McClure crosses the finish line.

Special needs children from around the area enjoyed a day of exercise and excitement last Thursday, as Union County High played host to the Towns-Union-Fannin Special Olympics.

The event was hosted by the Union County Recreation Department, Towns County Family Connection, and the Special Education Departments of the three schools.

The athletes and coaches made the processional lap around the football field before Sonya Freeman joined the chorus in singing the National Anthem.

The athletes and coaches followed with the recitation of the Special Olympics Oath, "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."

The games began as children were broken into separate age groups for each activity. Races were the first item on the agenda before the athletes moved onto the field for activities like the tennis ball throw and standing long jump.

Gold Medal winners included Chris Brown, Michaela Garrett, Alex Jordan, Nikki Mandi, Matthew McClure, Katelynn Plemmons, Riley Post, and Somersett Rabb.

Sentinel photos/Jared Putnam Michaela Garrett in the kooshball throw.

Silver Medal winners included Ben Abbott, Chris Brown, Danny Demers, Kyle Harris, and Matthew McClure.

Bronze Medal winners included Alex Jordan, Nikki Mandi, Blake Morrow, and Trevor Tracy.

Danny Demers in the soccer kick. Sam Seifarth helping carry the Union County banner.