Published: May 18, 2008 05:04 pm      

Olympic event held for Cherokee County’s disabled students

By Cristin Ross

cross@jacksonvilleprogress.com

Cherokee County special education students had their own brush with “Chariots of Fire” Friday during several Olympic field day events held at Bullard High School.

Bullard Student Council, Band and Cherokee County Special Education Cooperative held the event for local students with mild to severe mental and physical disabilities. Students from Bullard, Wells, Alto, Rusk and New Summerfield school districts all participated.

“It was great fun,” BISD Student Council sponsor Donna Jeffus said. “The Special Olympics is a state-wide student council project, and while we weren’t affiliated with the Special Olympics officially, we still wanted to hold this event for our area.”

The event featured games like bowling and miniature golf; foot and wheelchair races; a bounce house; bubble blowing contests; bad minton; and basketball hoop shoot-outs.

But the biggest hit of the day was the sponge toss, where kids got to throw wet sponges at other kids, who’s faces were displayed in a cutout in the target.

“Everyone enjoyed that one,” Jeffus said.

All participants, who ranged in age from 4 years to high school students, in Friday’s activities were awarded a gold medal.

Similar events have been held at Rusk Independent School District in past years.

“It’s always a fun day for the kids, their families and their teachers,” RISD Superintendent Jim Largent said.

Jeffus said her student council members are already planning how to make next year’s event bigger and better.

“It’s really touching to see these big high school kids give such care and attention to these very special students,” she said.