Hundreds participate in Special Olympics; Midland Valley named Special Olympics Unified Champion School

April 22--GRANITEVILLE -- Dr. Shawn Foster thought to try something different before the start of the Aiken County Special Olympics Spring Games at Midland Valley High School on Friday. He asked the hundreds in attendance to give all of the athletes a standing ovation.

Foster, Aiken County Public Schools deputy superintendent, called the athletes champions.

"Not only are you good athletes, good people, but you're also good leaders," Foster said. "I was always told good leaders don't set out to lead, they set out to make a difference and that's exactly what you're doing.

"You're making just enough of a difference in the lives of the people around you than they're making in your life, so thank you for what you're giving to us, as well."

Foster also took time to thank the "buddies," Aiken County students who help athletes during the games, along with the many organizers, sponsors and other volunteers that help with the annual games.

On behalf of the Aiken County Public School District and Superintendent Dr. Sean Alford, Foster welcomed participants to the Special Olympics. Hundreds of student and adult athletes, volunteers and parents descended on the football stadium at Midland Valley on Friday morning.

The event kicked off with a parade of athletes who walked across the track with banners and high-fived Foster and Aiken County Councilman Andrew Siders before heading onto the field.

Siders said he honestly was impressed with the numbers in attendance, as he spoke to the crowd on the field and seated in the stands.

"It's incredible," Siders said, "and we are so proud of you."

According to BonnieAnne Fulghum, a coordinator for the event, around 550 people participated.

Midland Valley, which plays host to the games each year, also received a special honor.

The school was named a Special Olympics Unified Champion School for its inclusive school climate, which school officials say "exudes a sense of collaboration, engagement and respect for all members of the student body and staff."

During the event, the high school was presented with a banner to hang in the school.

Midland Valley is one of eight schools in the state considered a banner school, an elite distinction, according to Barry Coats, president and CEO of Special Olympics.

School Principal Carl White said he's encouraged by student, staff and faculty for the "love they show for all students."

More than 200 schools are currently participating in Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program in South Carolina, as part of more than 5,000 schools across the country engaged in the program, according to the school district.

The Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools model is supported by the U.S. Department of Education. Special Olympics has a global goal of creating 100,000 Unified Champion Schools by 2020.

After the banner was presented, the torch run soon followed and then the games began.

Kaylah Ginyard, a student at Ridge-Spring Monetta High School, participated for her second year on Friday and eyed athlete Trevor Morris as he mastered the hula-hoop during the afternoon.

"I just enjoy working with the kids," Ginyard said. "It's really fun. It's their day. You have to let them do what they want to do."

Ginyard is in Project Unify and said volunteering has inspired her to consider a career in special education. North Augusta High School senior Amanda Emery is already on that track.

Emery was nearby watching children play T-ball, football and basketball during the afternoon and helping to shade her buddy from the sun. She said she has plans to study special education at Clemson University.

She's been in "buddy club" for four years, but she enjoys the time outside the school doors participating in events like Special Olympics, as well.

"I like getting to know the kids the best and getting involved with them more outside of the classroom," Emery said.

Coats said Special Olympics is "just as awesome" for the athletes as it is for the volunteers and partners that participate.

"It's a great day to showcase the skills that our athletes have, and give them a chance to compete," he said. "The community gets involved, local businesses get involved. We have these all over the state. It's really just great because it brings the community together for a common cause and a great cause."

BonnieAnne Fulghum, one of the Special Olympics coordinators,

Christina Cleveland is the county government reporter at the Aiken Standard.

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