MOULTRIE — Special Olympics athletes competed in the long jump, flag football soccer, softball and other sports at Packer Park.

The Colquitt County Special Olympics Spring Games were held March 29.

The opening ceremony was held in the high school gymnasium, starting with the parade of athletes and the flags for the school they were representing.

Dr. Gistacy Brown, principal of Okapilco Elementary School, gave the welcome to the athletes, coaches and volunteers. Then, Hailey Whitley, a member of the PFS Club at Colquitt County High School, gave the invocation.

The Presentation of Colors, under the direction of Cadet Gunnery Sergeant Macon Craig, was given by the Colquitt County High School ROTC and the National Anthem was performed by the Serenaders under the direction of Jimbo Jarvis, high school choir director.

Then, local coordinators Mitchell McKinney and PJ Jones, and Stringfellow special education teacher Tara Torbert handed out some special awards.

Crystal Bell was awarded the Coach of the Year; C.A. Gray Middle School students Noah Harden and Gunner Griffin were awarded Unified Partners of the Year; Jayden Williams was awarded the Athlete of the Year; Marion Meads was awarded the Adult Volunteer of the Year and both the Magnolia Civitan Club and the Moose Lodge were awarded Community Supporters of the Year.

After the special awards were presented, Coach Andy Harden, physical education teacher at the high school and boys varsity head basketball coach, administered the Special Olympics Coaches Oath.

“And now, following a tradition as old as the Olympic Games themselves, please welcome CCHS athlete Nate Purser as he brings in the Special Olympics Flame of Hope,” the announcer said.

Purser, who represented CCHS in the Team Soccer Event, was escorted by Berlin Police Chief Evan Garlick as they brought in the flame and lit the cauldron. Then, Ma’Tyious Hayes led everyone in the Athletes Oath.

Then, it was a full day as the student athletes participated in a variety of different events including Bocce Ball, Long Jump, Flag Football, Soccer and Softball. The events were held across the high school campus from the indoor practice facility to the tennis courts.

Community organizations set-up an “Olympic Town” with bounce houses, games, concessions and other activities for the athletes and volunteers to enjoy after the Olympic Games.