*All pictures were provided by the Special Olympics Decatur County and taken by Bryan Collins, Volunteer Coordinator*
Special Olympics Decatur County gives individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities in the community an opportunity to participate in athletic and social opportunities. Each year they meet to celebrate the victories the prior year has held for their athletes.
Special Olympics began with a vision by Eunice Kennedy-Shriver (President John F. Kennedy’s sister). With the first Special Olympics Games being held at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill on July 20, 1968. Annually 5 million children and adults with intellectual disabilities participate in Special Olympics.
Decatur County Management Team:
The 2024 Athlete Leadership Council consisted of Christin Banks, Jen Johannigman, Jess Johannigman, Ryan Lewis, Morgan Hooten, Ann Smith, Andrew Bryant, Jenny Maddux, and Alyson Bridges.
The Spirit of Special Olympics Award Winners were- Volunteer of the Year: Bryan Collins, Coach of the Year: Tracee Workman, Athletes of the Year: Christin Banks.
All of the amazing coaches that volunteer their talents and hearts to ensuring all athletes have an opportunity to be a part of a team.
The 2024 Caleb Brown Teammate Award winners were Jennifer Johannigman and Michael Byrd.
The 2024 Bowling Team is pictured above with special awards: Most Improved: Jess Johannigman, Mental Attitude: Levi Collins, and Outstanding: Myla Speer.
The Corn Toss Team is pictured above with special awards going to: Most Improved Ann Smith, Mental Attitude: Keaton Ridzon, and Outstanding: Wyatt Means.
Pictured above is the 2024 Softball Team with special recognition to Most Improved: Ryan Lewis, Mental Attitude: Christin Banks, and Outstanding: Chris Vanarsdall.
The Volleyball team is pictured above with special recognition going to: Most Improved: Michael Byrd, Mental Attitude: Jessica Rehberger, and Outstanding: Tom Malone.
The 2024 Track and Field Team is pictured above with special recognition for Most Improved: Ezra Wilson, Mental Attitude: Ladies 4×100 Relay Team- Destiny Benning, Jaye Hensley, Makenna Workman, Mia Wilson, and Alternate Makeya Workman. Also Outstanding: Aaleah Boles.
The Bocce Team is pictured above with special recognition going to Most Improved: Christina Bates, Mental Attitude: Tim Bean, and Outstanding: Karen Bundren.
The 2024 Basketball Skills Team is pictured above with special recognition going to Most Improved: Charlie Slaven, Mental Attitude: Keaton Ridzon, and Outstanding: Henry Buening.
Pictured above is the 2024 Cheetahs Basketball Team with special recognition going to Most Improved: Mila Wilson, Mental Attitude: Christin Banks, and Outstanding: Savannah Kearney.
The 2024 Rascals Basketball Team is pictured above with special recognition to Most Improved: Brad Kiel, Mental Attitude: Parker Lewis, and Outstanding: Bradley Bevington.
Pictured above is the 2024 Jaguars Basketball Team with special recognition going to Most Improved: Tyler Michael, Mental Attitude: Brad Johnson, and Outstanding: Denny Schuerman.
The 2024 Winter Games Delegation is pictured above with special recognition going to Most Improved: Ryan Lewis, Mental Attitude: Levi Collins, and Outstanding: Ezra Wilson.
Special Olympics becomes more than just a sports opportunity, it becomes like family. Teammates laugh, cry, celebrate successes, and sometimes even work through losses together. At the end of the day, they are united as a team and in friendship.
If you are interested in learning more about Special Olympics, please check out their Facebook page at- Decatur County Special Olympics- Facebook and also learn more by looking at their website- Decatur County Special Olympics Website.
