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Catoosa County Special Olympics recognizes senior athletes

Ringgold High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets present the colors at the Catoosa County "May the Force Be With You" Special Olympics at RHS football stadium. Ringgold High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets present the colors at the Catoosa County "May the Force Be With You" Special Olympics at RHS football stadium.

By Katie Ward May 18, 2016 1 min read

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Catoosa County Special Olympics recognizes senior athletes

Senior athletes are presented with red noses, goody bags and special "Star Wars" lanyards by the Knights of Columbus Chapter 7416. Knights of Columbus 7416 Grand Knight Tony Dimaiolo said the Special Olympics hold a special place for the Knights of Columbus on a global scale. All 16 Catoosa County schools took part in the local games.

From left are Heritage High School senior Logan Pickett, Ringgold High School senior Jerrell Adams and Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School senior David Brunner. Pickett said he likes running. He is well-known for scoring a touchdown at the Heritage High School vs. Cartersville game this past football season. Brunner said he likes to enter the long jump, football throw and softball throw at the Special Olympics.

Boynton Elementary School Special Olympic athletes parade down the track.

Participating athletes walk in the parade. The day also included a moment of silence for fellow Special Olympic athlete Hunter Wills, who passed away the night before the games.

Ringgold High School athletes enter the Special Olympics through a parade onto the Ringgold High School track.

Mission statement

“To provide yearround sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, and other Special Olympic athletes and the community.”

Catoosa County Special Olympics offers a variety of year-round sports for athletes ages 6-22 who have intellectual disabilities: equestrian, softball, basketball, bowling, bocce, track and field, swimming, rhythmic dance and kickball.

Earlier this month, 213 athletes descended on the Ringgold High School football stadium for the capstone event. This year’s theme was “May the Force Be With You.”

“This is the best day of the year,” said Catoosa County Special Education Director Becky Conner. “The students, the parents and the community all turn out to celebrate our children.”

Email Katie Ward at kward@timesfreepress.com.