MOULTRIE — The Colquitt County Special Olympics Spring Games were held March 28 at Packer Park. They included events like flag football skills, the long jump, running, team kickball, swimming, bowling and gymnastics.

“This day is all about our athletes and it’s a day for them to be accepted for all they can do and excel,” said Tara Torbert, member of the Colquitt County Special Olympics Management Team and teacher at Stringfellow Elementary School. “This is a day about what they can do, not about what they can’t do.”

She said there were a lot more participants at this year’s games.

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. In addition to Colquitt County Schools, the Green Oaks Center and the Cook County Special Olympics program were also represented. Coach Mitchell McKinney, local Special Olympics coordinator, was the grand marshal.

“Special Olympics is more than just a sports program. It is a movement that celebrates inclusion and diversity,” said YMCA Gymnastics Director Patti Wier. “As we gather today, I am reminded of the powerful words from Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the founder of the Special Olympics, ‘The Special Olympics will be a model for world peace, a world without war. A world of love, laughter and sharing.’ That vision is alive right here, today, right now, at this moment.”

Then McKinney gave out some special awards. “This is a particularly wonderful time of year for our Special Olympics program as we honor some of our top super stars who have been outstanding in their accomplishments and dedication to our program,” he said.

Jessica Hancock was the Coach of the Year; the Unified Partners of the Year were C.A. Gray Junior High School students Kathrynn Kinsey and Isabella Reagan; and the Athlete of the Year was Precious King.

Zachary Owen received the Coach Dexshalyn Polite award, which was given in honor of the late Colquitt County Lady Packer player and assistant coach. Then, Torbert presented the Shining Star Award to Kamden Richter.

After the special awards were presented, Xzavier Ward, special education teacher at Stringfellow Elementary School, administered the Special Olympics Coaches Oath.

The Special Olympics Flame of Hope was carried by CCHS athletes Dawson Bozeman and Claudia Acosta Salas, who was escorted by Iron Legacy Motorcycle Club President Chris Holton.

Next, during the ceremony, CCHS athlete Kamden Richter gave the Special Olympics Athlete Oath: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

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