The Madison County Pilot Club and Madison County Rotary Club provided volunteers to assist with the games. The Madison County High School Anchor Club members volunteered their time at the games and were accompanied by their sponsor, Allison Clarke. The High School Anchor Club members who did such a great job are: Connor Boyett, Dylan Chandler, Lance Chandler, Breana Croya, Jessica Croya, Kyle Dean, Lea Dellinger, Brianna Dills, Brandon Doolittle, Juleigh Fouche, Rachel Howard, Reagen Hudgens, Morgan Langford, Amber Martin, Mallory Miller, Hanna Moon, Jeremiah NeSmith, Jacob Owens, Morgan Pierce, Alexia Supakorndej, and Daniel Vaughn.
The students' teachers who helped in preparations for the games are: Kate Brinson, Amanda Frary, Carol Watkins, Ashley Witters, June Martin, Libby Loftis, Connie Washburn, Kelly Carr, Allison Clarke, Jan NeSmith, and Buffy Wennersten.
The opening ceremony began with a marching song by members of the Madison County Middle School Band led by the band director Phillip Smith. Members of the Madison County Middle School Honors Chorus sang the Star Spangled Banner. Special guests who welcomed the athletes during the opening ceremony were: Dr. Mitch McGhee, School Superintendent; Cathy Gruetter, Principal of Hull-Sanford Elementary; Joyce Fleeman, Pilot Club President; Bruce Azevedo, Rotary Club President; and Louise Watson, Madison County Tax Commissioner.
Several people who put in many hours to make this such a successful event are Kathy Colwell and Buffy Wennersten (Local Special Olympics Coordinators), Becky Hutchins (Pilot Club liaison to Special Olympics) and Michelle Strickland (treasurer of Madison County Special Olympics).
The Hull-Sanford Elementary physical education teacher, Mike Osborne, helped with the set up and refereed an exciting basketball game. Many Pilot Club members provided snacks for the athletes and volunteers. The Rotary Club provided the drinks and cups and Commissioner Mike Youngblood donated snack packs of chips.
Our athletes will go on to area games in several weeks and quite a few will attend the state games in January in Atlanta. Due to the support provided by the Madison County community, our athletes will have these additional opportunities. Thanks to everyone who makes this possible.
Sincerely,
Joan Baird
Student Services Director, Madison County Schools and
Chairperson, Madison County Special Olympics
