By Andy Diffenderfer
Correspondent
Organizers of an awareness walk for special-needs residents hope the event will become an annual springtime happening that shows the abilities of the participants.
Smiles were everywhere Saturday as a swarm of about 175 walkers of all ages from Walker, Dade, Catoosa and Chattooga counties donned light-green T-shirts and navigated the multiuse trail in Fort Oglethorpe in the first Abilities Awareness Walk.
"We wanted to bring awareness to Northwest Georgia that people with developmental disabilities have abilities as well," said Vikki Entrekin, president of The Arc of Chattooga County, which advocates for people with cognitive and intellectual disabilities.
"The walk benefits the community so they can see a need and see their donations can be beneficial," said Tim Cornette, an instructor's aid with Lookout Mountain Community Services. "This is going to be an annual event. If you look in the faces of the walkers, you can see how important this is. We all end up with smiles on our faces."
Walkers convened at Gilbert Stephenson Park., and a ceremonial ribbon-cutting got the walk under way. Participants enjoyed a box lunch and fellowship at a park pavilion once they were finished walking.
The turnout, said Michal Jones, a parent mentor with Walker County Schools, was larger than expected. She and Ms. Entrekin praised the number of volunteers and sponsors who helped make the event possible.
"I feel like this was a great success," Mrs. Jones said. "I think it was a great first-time event, and I look for it to grow and get a lot of community and volunteer involvement."
Andy Diffenderfer is based in LaFayette, Ga. Contact him at andydiff97@comcast.net.