Franklin County Special Olympics Set for Wednesday at FCHS

The Franklin County Special Olympics spring games will be held Wednesday at Jeff Davis Field at Ed Bryant Stadium on the campus of Franklin County High School.

Opening ceremonies will be at 10 a.m. with closing ceremonies planned for about 2 p.m.

In between, 80 special athletes will compete in several events, including running/walking, soccer ball kick, tennis ball throw, and long jump.

Some events will have a wheelchair division.

Coordinator Amber Adams tells WLHR News that assisting the athletes will be 100 high school and middle school students who have been paired up as their “buddies.”

These are students who have been vetted through a thorough application process. Additionally, there will be about 20 adult volunteers also helping with the event.

Adams said most are from the high school faculty, but some are from the community.

Additionally, there will be backyard-type games for the athletes to enjoy when they aren’t competing in the main event, and the high school art department will have a face painting booth.

Rachel Howington Photography, one of the event’s sponsors, will have a bracelet-making station for the athletes. Howington is also providing the banners for the event.  And of course, no event is complete without food.

The student-run Lion’s Brew Coffee Shop from the high school will be operating the concession stand.

Papa John’s of Lavonia is providing pizza at a great price, allowing the students to make a profit for the coffee shop.

Chick-fil-A of Lavonia will be providing lunch for the athletes, buddies, and volunteers.

Also, Kona Ice will be there from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. selling cool treats, and each athlete will receive a free Kona Ice.

To learn more about Franklin County Special Olympics, contact Amber Adams at amber.adams@franklin. k12.ga.us or 706-384-4554.