Darlington’s freshman class will partner with Rome-Floyd Parks & Recreation to host the Floyd County Special Olympics on the school’s campus on Tuesday, April 14. Hundreds of young athletes representing Rome City Schools, Floyd County Schools, DIGS and other local organizations will participate in the annual event.
“It is always a great honor for Darlington to serve as host of the Floyd County Special Olympics,” said Kevin Hunt, assistant athletic director. “This is a great experience for our ninth-grade class and a wonderful event for the Rome and Floyd County community.”
Darlington's freshman class has hosted the event for more than a decade.
“We are so thankful to have Darlington as a partner for our spring games once again,” said Tammy Bryant, assistant recreation services manager and Special Olympics coordinator. “The school offers so much to our Special Olympics programs through the tremendous student and staff support that helps us to conduct these events.”
The parade lineup will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Darlington’s Chris Hunter ('82) Memorial Stadium, and ceremonies will start at 10 a.m. Participants will compete in running events; softball throw; standing long jump; soccer kick; and wheelchair and assisted walk races. The public is invited to attend and support our local Special Olympics athletes.
Nearly 90 Darlington freshmen will assist with running the athletic events, food preparation and, most importantly, cheering on the participants. Darlington's Athletic Booster Club will also host lunch for the Special Olympics athletes.
For more information or questions about the Floyd County Special Olympics, please email Tammy Bryant.
Special Olympics was founded on the belief that people with intellectual disability can, with proper instruction and encouragement, learn, enjoy and benefit from participation in individual and team sports. The goal of Special Olympics is to help bring all persons with intellectual disability into the larger society under conditions whereby they are accepted, respected and given a chance to become productive citizens.
Click here to see a gallery from last year's event.
