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 were: Abby Atkinson, Courtney Boggs, Connor Boyett, Dylan Chandler, Jessica Croya, Kyle Dean, Lea Dellinger, Brianna Dills, Renee Ellisor, Juleigh Fouch, Jenna Jansen, Bailee Jordan, Morgan Langford, Amber Martin, Mallory Miller, Jeremiah NeSmith, Brandi Osborne, Jacob Owens, Katelyn Reeves, Morgan Spearing, Alexia Supakorndej and Steven Tiller,
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 High School Jazz Band led by band director Nicholas Golding. Madison County Board of Education Chairman Jim Patton was the master of ceremony. He introduced many important guests who said words of inspiration and welcome to the athletes. The special guests were: Mitch McGhee, Madison County School Superintendent; Anthony Dove, Chairman of the Madison County Board of Commissioners; Louise Watson, Madison County Tax Commissioner; Joyce Fleeman, Pilot Club President; Roy Gandy, Rotary Club representative; Judge Harry Rice; Marvin White, Madison County Chamber of Commerce President; Tracy Dean, Madison County Chief Registrar; and Susan Fornash, Madison/Oglethorpe Animal Shelter director. The games were officially declared open by Terri Wilkes. Her sister, Kathy (who had Down Syndrome), recently passed away and the family requested that memorial donations be made to Madison County Special Olympics. In Kathy’s memory, the games began under a beautiful blue sky.
Several people who put in many hours to make this such a successful event are Kathy Colwell and Amanda Frary (Local Special Olympics Coordinators), Becky Hutchins (Pilot Club Liaison to Special Olympics) and Michelle Strickland (Treasurer of Madison County Special Olympics). The Madison County Maintenance Department, led by Ned Graham, also helped with the set up of the events.
Because of all the support provided by the Madison County community, our athletes had a wonderful event with plenty of hugs and smiles for everyone.
Sincerely,
Joan Baird
Student Services Director, Madison County Schools
Chairperson, Madison County Special Olympics Advisory Committee
