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: Kari Sheridan, Brody Dudley, Aundrea McKeever, Jeremiah NeSmith, Taylor Morgan, John Dial, Jake Sapp, Jessica Croya, Brianna Dills, Spencer Baird, Megan Kesler, Ben Ortman, Heather Echols, and Ashley Carithers.
The students’ teachers who helped in preparations for the games are: Kate Brinson, Amanda Griffin, 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: Allen McCannon, Associate School Superintendent; Lynne Jeffers, Principal of Ila Elementary; Chris Burroughs, Pilot Club President; Ed Brown, Rotary Club; Nicki Broun, Congressman Paul Broun’s wife; Louise Watson, Madison County Tax Commissioner; Marvin White, President of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce; Joley Barber, Candidate for Madison County Probate Judge; and Kevin Cheek, Madison County EMS.
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 Ila Elementary Physical Education Teacher, Barry Bailey, helped with the set up and refereed an exciting basketball game. Many Pilot Club members provided snacks for the athletes and volunteers.
Our athletes will go on to area games in several weeks and quite a few will attend the state games in January in Atlanta. Because of all 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
