By SCOTT MCKIE B.P.
ONE FEATHER STAFF
Cherokee will once again host the Special Olympics Far West Spring Games. For the second year in a row, the Qualla Boundary Special Olympics program will be the host organization for the games scheduled for Friday, May 6 at the old Cherokee High School track.
Jacee Smith competes in last year's Special Olympics held at the old CHS track. (SCOTT MCKIE B.P./One Feather)
“We’re excited this year to host it and involve even more of the community than we did last year as we learn and grow the event this year,” said Lana Lambert, Qualla Boundary Special Olympics program coordinator. “We’re excited to have everyone come to Cherokee and experience our community and our culture.”
The Cherokee Elementary School Traditional Singers and the CHS JROTC are scheduled for the Opening Ceremony, and Qualla Boundary athletes will give the invocation and the athlete’s oath.
Around 30-35 Qualla Boundary athletes are set to compete in the games which will include track and field events including:
- Developmental Category: 10m wheelchair, 10m assisted walk, 25m walk, Tennis Ball Throw
- Lead Up & Wheelchair Category: 25m wheelchair, 100m wheelchair, 30m wheelchair slalom, 25m motorized WC obstacle, 30m motorized WC slalom, 50m motorized WC slalom, 25m dash, 50m dash, 50m walk, Softball Throw, Standing Long Jump, Wheelchair Shot Put
- Traditional Category: 100m dash, 200m dash, 400m dash, 800m dash, 1500m run, 100m race walk, 400m race walk, 4x100m relay, Shot Put, Running Long Jump
Several organizations and businesses have already come through on sponsorships of monetary donations and/or goods and services for the event including: Cherokee Central Schools, Owle Construction, First Citizens Bank, Cherokee Enterprises, The Sequoyah Fund, Macon Bank, Pepsi-Cola, Discount Grocery and VOC.
Lambert related that more is needed though. “We are desperately in need of sponsorships and donations.” If you are interested in being a sponsor or to volunteer for the event itself, contact Lambert at VOC 497-9827.
“It’s their day,” said Lambert. “It’s all about them.”
