Special Olympics Spring Games kick off at Statesville High (Photo Gallery)

STORY BY DONNA SWICEGOOD
PHOTOS BY BRUCE MATLOCK

Ability, inclusion and the power of community were all on display Tuesday as the Iredell County Special Olympics Spring Games got underway at Statesville High School.

Some 130 athletes from elementary and middle schools across the county paraded into the stadium as volunteers stood trackside and friends and family cheered them along from the home bleachers.

Statesville Mayor Doug Hendrix said he was honored to be a part of the opening ceremony. He commended the volunteers and teachers who make this event happen each year.

“These volunteers — they make it happen. The teachers work hard. This is outside of their teaching line of work. They make it happen because they love these children and they love this community so much,” he said.

Organizations like Special Olympics change their communities from the inside out and that’s what makes a community, he said.

Andrew Mehall, executive director of exceptional children for Iredell-Statesville Schools, called the event exciting.

“Today’s the day we enjoy ourselves,” he said.

Local coordinator Bobbi Williams told the crowd that she has the best job in the world.

“I am very thankful to get to work with all of you and I’m excited that our community, the City of Statesville, recognize this is a big job,” she said.

Lara Smith, who was recently hired as co-coordinator for Special Olympics Iredell County, talked about the T-shirt design contest for the volunteers, and Special Olympian Chase Stroud was recognized for designing the winning shirt.

Smith also expressed her appreciation to event sponsors, including:

Platinum – Food Lion, Home Run Markets, KM Electrical Heating and A/C Inc., Mike and Nancy Douglas, Partners Health Management and Statesville Recreation and Economic Vitality.

Gold – Ascend HR, Denso, Flow Automotive, Food Lion, Jordan Grant and Associates, McClelland Race Team, Rico’s Event Center, The Sprinkle Family, SiteOne Landscape, Fourth Creek Rotary Club of Statesville, the UPS Store.

Silver – City Stripe and Decal, Enbridge Gas, Knights of Columbus.

Bronze – Iredell Health Systems, The Nicholson Family, Danny, Dana, Devin and Daniel, NC Pediatric Dentistry, Opus Financial Advisors, Sir Speedy, Statesville Dance and Performing Arts.

Mike Hoffman, from the Knights of Columbus, presented a check to the Statesville High School Special Ed Department and another to Special Olympics. WIlliams called the organization “one of our most generous donors.”

The games began with the Parade of Athletes with Statesville Recreation and Economic Vitality Director Richard Griggs calling out each school as they entered the stadium.

Iredell County Sheriff’s Office deputies ran the Special Olympics torch around the track and lit the flame to open the games.

The games will continue Wednesday with high school and independent school athletes taking the field. One special athlete, Betty Christie, who is 80 years old, is expected to participate, Williams said.

The Rev. Dr. Will Funderburk, who is also a volunteer and also known as “Sophie’s dad,” gave the invocation. He called the games a blessed event.