It’s time to
dust off those sneakers, warm up and head to the Eighth Annual Scioto County
Special Olympics Walkathon. The event helps raise money to support various
activities, throughout the year, of the Special Olympics teams.
“We have
actually been in fundraising mode since the summer,” said Shawn Jordan,
Awareness Coordinator at the Scioto County Board of Developmental Disabilities
and co-coordinator of this year’s walk, “Kelsey Davis started us off with a
great turn out at the first annual Color Run. It was her project to raise money
as part of the River Days Pageant. We then had a strong presence in this year’s
River Days Parade with a float dedicated to highlighting the Special
Olympians.”
“The walk is
our official annual kick-off for a full season of events,” said Tammy Bolton,
Intake Specialist at SCBDD and co-coordinator for this year’s event. “We always
have a great turn out and it is a great way for the community to be involved in
the start of the season.”
Bolton said the
event is filled with activities, as well as the featured walk.
“Not only does
this event serve as a fundraiser for Special Olympics, but we also use this
opportunity to share information on Special Olympics and SCBDD services. There
are also activities to take part in, throughout the event, for the whole
family,” she explained.
Last year, the
event raised nearly $2,000 and had more than 200 participants support the
cause.
“We are excited to kick off our new season of
activities, which includes basketball, volleyball and bowling. We invite
everyone to come and join us and enjoy the day,” Jordan said.
The walk will
be held at Tracy Park, in downtown Portsmouth on Friday, Sept. 19 from 10 a.m.
to 2 p.m. Food, games, activities and various give-aways will take place
throughout the day.