‘Everyone belongs, every achievement is celebrated’
RUSSELLVILLE — More than 70 students from across the county took part in the third annual Special Olympics at Tharptown Elementary School.
Activities included races, inflatables, refreshments and an awards ceremony with medals. More than a hundred teachers and volunteers assisted.
“The Special Olympics is a powerful celebration of inclusion where every student is encouraged to shine in their own unique way,” said Franklin County Schools Special Education Coordinator Jennifer Whitfield. “It provides a positive and supportive environment for students to showcase their talents and abilities, reminding us that excellence comes in many forms.”
Kamri Fleming, special education teacher at Tharptown, said before she worked in Franklin County, she worked for the school system in Lawrence County which had a Special Olympics each year.
Once she joined the Franklin County School System, Fleming started talking to Whitfieldand other school officials about starting a yearly event for Franklin County.
“It’s gotten bigger every year,” Fleming said, noting while the event can be “hard to put together,” what makes it worth doing is seeing how much the kids enjoy themselves.
“It was just really exciting to see all the smiles on their faces and to see them having fun with the other kids,” Fleming said. “They really like the inflatables, and they like the ability to be able to come out here and compete because a lot these kids don’t get to play on youth teams outside of school, and they don’t get to do the other things that other kids in the school do.” Phil Campbell High School senior Billy Jo Potts has taken part in the event all three years.
“It’s fun,” Potts said. “We get together and get to see friends. I like the running.”
Fellow PCHS senior Terry Bemboon described the event as “fun,” proclaiming “everything” as his favorite event.
Red Bay Elementary School first grader Conway Miller agreed.
“Everything, just everything,” Miller said of his interests. “I like to win, and running with my friends.”
Brittne Prince, a teacher at Tharptown Elementary, noted the impact the Special Olympics have on participants.
“All the schools in the county come together and spend a day embracing everybody’s unique abilities,” Prince said. “The kids love it, and we all have fun. They get really excited.”
Sophomore Emma Blackburn got involved when one of her teachers asked if anyone wanted to volunteer. Blackburn helped with events and spent time cheering on the participants.
“I love it,” Blackburn said. “It makes me feel good, and it makes my heart expand for them.”
Fellow first-time volunteer and junior cheerleader Leonela Vela echoed those sentiments.
“Seeing how happy they all look makes me happy, and it makes me glad to be able to cheer for them,” Vela said.
“This is their day,” said Kristen Oliver, a teacher’s aide at East Franklin. “They get to go with their own free will and enjoy themselves.”
Whitfield shared her gratitude for all who come together each year to make the event happen.
“The event would not have been possible without the amazing teachers and paraprofessionals who foster growth, confidence and success in whatever way best suits each child,” she said. “Together, they have created a space where everyone belongs, and every achievement is celebrated.”
