Area 14 Winter Special Olympics held in Colquitt County
Nov. 30—MOULTRIE — The 2023 Area 14 Winter Special Olympics took place in Moultrie the Friday before Thanksgiving, with opening ceremonies held at Colquitt County High School.
Eleven schools were represented during the games: Okapilco, Sunset Funston, Stringfellow, Hamilton, Cox and J.M. Odom Elementary schools; C.A. Gray Junior High; Willie J. Williams Middle School; Colquitt County High school and Southern Regional Technical College.
The opening ceremonies began with a banner from each school, along with their representatives, following behind the Ms. Georgia Forestry 2023 and the National Turpentine, Queen Mrs. Tess Davis.
After Dr. Fred Smith, principal at C.A. Gray, gave a welcome greeting, and Giselle Carranza, member of the PFS club at CCHS, gave the invocation it was time for the CCHS ROTC to present the colors while the National Anthem was sung by the CCHS choir.
Before the announcements began, there was a special performance by the CCHS and C.A. Gray Partnership for Success Club.
Roughly 50 of those who would be participating in the games came to the front of the crowd and presented a special version of the song "This is Me" from the movie "The Greatest Showman."
There was hardly a dry eye in the gymnasium as the youth sang, signed and danced to the song.
After their tear-jerking performance, Mitchell McKinney and PJ Jones gave some important announcements regarding this fundraising event.
"It's the most money we've ever raised," said McKinney. "This year we raised $18,000."
The last speaker before the Flame of Hope was lite and the athletes' oath was given was Mr. Travis Torbert, who administered the Special Olympics Coaches Oath:
"In the name of all coaches we shall follow all written and verbal instructions of Special Olympic officials at all times," said Torbert. "Have our athletes at the appropriate events on time and abide by the rules and policies in the spirit of sportsmanship."
Deputy Jackson Autrey was the officer who assisted athletes Jonathan Sales and Skyah Lewis with the lighting of the Olympic Flame.
lighting the flame
Deputy Jackson Autrey assists student athletes Jonathan Sales and Skyah Lewis with the lighting of the Olympic Flame.
Jessi Flowers — The Moultrie Observer
As the flame burned, Yana Wilson gave the athletes' oath: "Let me win; but, if I cannot win let me be brave in the opportunity."
Then, to officially open the games, Colquitt County United Way's Executive Director Mrs. Caroline Horne addressed the athletes and spectators.
"We are here to enjoy a great day of inclusion that will help create strong relationship between everyone," said Horne. "It will help create a world full of kindness and mutual respect. To all athletes, do your best, but remember you are enough."
After Horne's speech, the games were officially opened and the competitions began.
In addition to CCHS, Freckles Skating Center, Moultrie YMCA and Strike 10 Bowling were all utilized for the various games.
Swimming
Athletes cheering each other on at the YMCA during the swimming contests.
Jessi Flowers — The Moultrie Observer
proud father
A proud father taking a picture after awards were presented during the basketball competitions.
By Jessi Flowers || Jessi.flowers@gaflnews.com
Those sports represented during these games were: basketball, swimming, bowling and rollerblade or scooter races.
