Special Olympics Pike was recently approved at the state level and the group will host an informational meeting from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, July 25 at Pike County Parks and Recreation at 603 Twin Oaks Road.
Students 8 years old to senior adults will be able to take part in practices and competitions. Volunteers and coaches are needed as well and must undergo background checks and training in order to help with the athletes.
Since the nearest Special Olympics group is in Henry County, the Special Olympics Pike group will welcome as many athletes as possible from Pike and surrounding counties. The 2027 Special Olympics Georgia State Indoor Winter Games will be held Jan. 30-31 in Cobb and Bartow County and will feature more than 3,000 athletes, coaches and partners.
“We are very limited on the sports we can offer since we are just starting out,” said Terry Brooks. “We need volunteers and coaches starting in early October and they need to understand that they must have certifications and be cleared before they can volunteer with athletes. We will be limited at first, as it takes years to build the program.”
For the Winter Games, Pike County will have athletes competing in basketball (skills and traditional) and pickleball (skills and traditional). The Winter Games competition is only for athletes 16 and older, but Special Olympics Pike will support younger athletes as they practice throughout the fall season and compete in a local Special Olympics competition.
“These events are huge for our younger athletes and it’s huge for their confidence,” said LeeAnn Terry. “Plus, all their loved ones enjoy seeing them do their thing and being able to support them like other athletes. If parents have sports that they are interested in, they may have to help head it up because that’s how our program will grow.”
Local fundraisers are underway in order to purchase all the start-up equipment needed and to support athletes so they do not incur any costs from participating. Donations to Special Olympics Pike can be mailed to P.O. Box 93, Williamson GA 30292. All donations are tax deductible as Special Olympics Pike is a 501(c) 3 organization.
The Guns and Glitter Raffle will offer several items for participants, including a Henry Goldenboy 44 Mag Lever Action Rifle, a spa day and a Mini Turtle Box. Tickets can be purchased for $20 from board members (including Rita Brooks, Terry Brooks, Kristy Dobbs, Sherra Knowles, Tony Knowles, Rachel McDaniel, Brent Terry and LeeAnn Terry) and also at the July 25 Special Olympics Informational Meeting. PC Pawn is assisting with the raffle.
Special Olympics Pike will also host a clay shoot on Sept. 11 at Red Oak Plantation in Gay with discounts on ammo and cart rental available and entry fees of $100 per person or $500 per team. Lunch will be available after the shoot ends. Sponsorships are available as well.
For more information, follow the PikeCountySpecialOlympics Facebook page or email BringSpecialOlympics2Pike@gmail.com.
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