Adults enjoy annual Special Olympics track and field day
COSHOCTON – Stacy Lenhart had a great time at 21st annual Kiwanis Track & Field Day for adults.
“I like being out and with my mom,” she said.
Lenhart was one of 70 athletes who competed March 24, in the event held at Kids America to celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
By lunch time she had already earned several ribbons and decided that basketball and football were her favorite events and running her least favorite.
“It’s enjoyable to watch her,” said Tammy Lenhart, Stacy’s mother. “She is happy no matter what she wins.”
Ron Billman also was having a good time and especially liked the cornhole toss.
“I like being able to get away from home and work,” he said.
Billman had several ribbons pinned to his chest and so did Ron Gianni.
“I like football and all the throwing events, but I really like getting to be around people,” Gianni said.
The event was organized by Toby Collins, Coshocton County Board of DD director of recreation and Special Olympics coordinator. She also had a number of volunteers, including some from Kiwanis and the Career Skills Investigation class at the Coshocton County Career Center, helping her run track and field day.
“I couldn’t do it without them,” Collins said.
One of her dedicated volunteers was Lillie Corder.
“My son has done Special Olympics and now he’s in there volunteering with the career center students and my husband also is here volunteering,” she said. “We just really enjoy this day. It’s a wonderful day and Toby (Collins) is great with them. We try to help her as much as we can.”
Collins believes the track and field days are a great way to boost the self esteem of those who participate.
“They are so proud of whatever ribbon they get and they also learn about teamwork and enjoy the chance to get out,” she said.
josie@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
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