After a five-year absence, over 150 athletes from Como-Pickton, Cedar Creek and Upshur and Wood Counties competed for special recognition at a state-sanctioned Special Olympics track and field meet at the Quitman High School track field on Friday, April 5.

The event was rained out last year (twice) and was canceled in 2020-22 due to pandemic concerns. It was also rained out on March 22, but Friday saw near-perfect weather.

The event was sponsored by the Pilot Club of Quitman and organized with the help of over 100 local volunteers, including the teen Quitman Anchor Club.

Athletes competed in 100 heats. Track events included team relays, individual runs and walks of various meters up to 1,500, and wheelchair races of several lengths up to 100 meters. Field events consisted of softball and tennis ball throws, shot put, turbo javelin, high jump and long jump.

The opening ceremony began with the Star-Spangled Banner, sung by country singer/songwriter Billie Jo Jones, followed by the parade of athletes who made a lap around the track. Athlete excitement was on full display as they marched around the track to the cheering and encouragement of bystanders and volunteers.

Once the games began, the competitors displayed determination and courage in their quests for medals. New friendships were formed and old ones renewed as athletes encouraged and supported each other with glee. To cap the day, all athletes, coaches, and volunteers enjoyed a hamburger lunch as the winners showed off their medals and congratulated one another.

Quitman Pilot Club member and co-chair of the event, Vanetta Plumlee, said, “This was a wonderful day! The athletes had a great time and left with smiles on their faces and memories in their hearts, and the volunteers and coaches had just as much fun. Being part of a day like this is a gift for the recipient, the volunteers, and the spectators.”

Susan Ukleja, co-chair, added, “I second all that Vanetta has said and add that the event would not have been possible without the generous support of our outstanding community members and corporate sponsors who supported our club’s fundraisers. Also, we are grateful to the staff at Quitman High School, who went above and beyond to prepare the facilities to receive the athletes. We thank them all!”

Founded in 1968, the mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.