Special to IFN

Bobbi Williams had a surprise waiting for her recently at the Statesville Fitness & Activity Center.

Registration information for the Special Olympics Sports Program of Iredell County was set up table by table for fall, winter, spring, and year-round sports.

To Williams’ astonishment, there was an extra table honoring her recent selection as the 2025 North Carolina Special Olympics Local Coordinator of the Year

In addition to registering for their sports, the Special Olympics athletes, coaches, and families honored Williams with a huge decorated cake donated by Food Lion bakery, a large bouquet of roses, and balloon art that said you are so special. There were notes of tribute from coaches, athletes, volunteers, donors, family members, and unified partners that gave heartfelt thanks and sincere adoration along with a pampering gift card.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, two coaches presented Williams with a handmade, framed article highlighting her honor from Special Olympics of North Carolina.

Of course, the focus of the registration event was to engage more folks to participate in the sports and obtain the benefits of Special Olympics fitness, friends, teamwork, and friendly competitions.

Thanks to the wonderful generosity of the folks of Iredell County and the leadership of Williams, Special Olympics now offers bocce, golf, soccer skills and team, softball skills and team, tennis skills and play, recreational flag football, and young athletes in the fall. For winter sports, there is Alpine Skiing and snowboarding and cheerleading. For Spring Sports, Track and field, Basketball skills and 3v3, bowling, gymnastics, powerlifting, swimming, unified volleyball, and young athletes. Also, there are Year-Round Recreational Sports, including Dance with Ms. Amanda, Group fitness with Ms. Dina, and Special Olympics So Good Virtual Workout at home.

Practices for all fall sports start at varying times from September through mid-November.

LEARN MORE

The itinerary for all sports, times and locations of practice are posted on the Iredell County Special Olympics Facebook page and updated weekly by Williams.

Special Olympics Iredell County is currently recruiting coaches and sports assistants for all seasons. Volunteers are always needed. For more information, contact Bobbi Williams at iredell@sonc.net or (704) 878-3044.

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