Special Olympics kicks off in Mecklenburg County

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hundreds of families packed Bojangles Coliseum Monday to kickoff the Special Olympics Spring Games for Mecklenburg County.

Over the next couple of days, thousands of athletes will participate in sports from swimming to track and field.

Nancy Callaway's daughter, Robin, has participated in the event for several years.

"She would not have the life she has without Special Olympics. That's for sure. It’s made a huge difference in her life," Callaway said.

Callaway said her daughter has a speech-language impairment but that's never held her back from holding a job or being recognized in her community. On Monday, Robin helped light the cauldron for the opening ceremony.

"She has thrived in this program a lot,” Callaway said. “It's huge. There are more than just sports. It's a whole social network.”

For many years, Charlotte Country Day students have played a major role in getting the athletes ready for the weeklong sporting event. Senior Anna Dulaney is not only connected to the athletes through her school's program, but she also coaches swimming to adult and children with special needs at the Harris YMCA.

"Especially with swimming, it’s a way I can share a sport I love with other people," Dulaney said.

Dulaney also said while some compete seriously, most participate to make friends, to learn sportsmanship and have fun.

"At the end of the day, they all get to win,” Dulaney said. “They all get ribbons. They all get medals."

Longtime volunteer and coach Bob Bowler said the games help families feel more connected to the community.

"We enunciate their abilities, not disabilities. I think we all have disabilities at a point. We try to break those barriers and perceptions down," Bowler said.

Competitions are free and open to the public. For more information, click here.

Cox Media Group