Chip Hale Center brings home hardware from Summer Games

ROGERSVILLE - On May 18, five individuals, along with members of the Chip Hale Center staff, took to the road bound for the 2018 Special Olympics track and field events in Nashville.

The State Summer Games, hosted by Lipscomb University, attracted more than 2,500 athletes, coaches, family members and volunteers.

The Opening Ceremony, presented by Chick-fil-A?, included the Special Olympics Parade of Athletes, lighting of the cauldron, Keynote Speaker, special recognitions and in-ceremony fun from the Chick-fil-A Cows.

The festivities began at 5:30 p.m. with the Law Enforcement Torch Run on the Lipscomb campus. When the Flame of Hope arrived at Allen Arena, the Summer Games began. More than 150 law enforcement representatives ran with the flame to present and light the cauldron to signify the start of the Summer Games.

Tennessee Titans Head Coach Mike Vrabel was this year's Keynote Speaker for the opening ceremonies.

Saturday, May 19th was a fun-filled day with track and field events. Athletes competed in six different sports: Aquatics, Athletics, Bocce, Powerlifting, Tennis and Volleyball.

The group from Chip Hale Center competed in Bocce and placed with one first-place award and four third- and fourth-place awards.

The games ended Saturday afternoon with a dance and time of fellowship.

Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. It gives them opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Chip Hale Center was proud to sponsor participants for this year's event.

For information on Chip Hale Center or to learn how to make a donation, call 423-272-3966.