Special Olympics hosted at Kinston High School

May 10--More than 200 athletes hit the football field at Kinston High School on Thursday to run, walk, jump and play games with their friends.

Lenoir County Public Schools and the Lenoir County Parks and Recreation Dept. hosted the annual Spring Special Olympics Thursday morning.

The event brought more than 1,000 people to the school to compete, watch or volunteer with the games.

This year's games saw competitors from public schools and preschool programs, as well as some adult groups. Each school or group participating in the game was featured in a parade around the KHS track before the games started.

An estimated 250 athletes competed in events like the 50 meter dash, standing long jump and softball throw. In between events athletes spent time playing games, tossing bean bags, getting their faces painted or spending time with a pair of clowns.

Many of the students competing in the games spend their days in special education classrooms and don't get to interact with other students.

"It's a day that is all about them," said Julie Hill, assistant director of the LCPS exceptional children program. "They get to compete with other athletes who are just like them from across the county."

The spring games are one of two Olympic events hosted in Lenoir County each year. In the fall, Lenoir County Parks and Recreation hosts an indoor Special Olympics at the Fairfield Gym.

Dustin George can be reached at 252-559-1077 or Dustin.George@Kinston.com.

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