A special spring day for special people

Left: Naquaia Linton and Kenteria Doldron celebrate their Special Olympic victory. Center: Special Olympian Heather Steele of Independence High School enjoyed participating in softball skills events. Right: Jeremy Sturdivant of the Metro School participates in the 100-meter run.

More than 400 Charlotte Country Day students and 60 faculty and staff members welcomed more than 600 Special Olympic athletes from Charlotte on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 24-25, for the 24th annual Special Olympics Mecklenburg County Spring Games.

Special Olympics is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition.

Since 1983, Charlotte Country Day has played a major role in providing volunteers and facilities for the spring games. This year, nearly 500 students and faculty served as buddies, coaches and cheerleaders to more than 600 Special Olympic athletes.

Classes are suspended for two days while all freshman, sophomores, juniors and seniors assist in athletic events; serve as buddies; runners and track guards; help distribute food and water; dress up as clowns; and aid in special activities between events.