Special Olympic athletes from across Rowan County compete in Spring Games
Published 12:10 am Friday, March 28, 2025
Salisbury Police Chief Patrick PJ Smith escorts Special Olympic athlete and torch bearer Henry across the Shuford Field at Catawba College to kick off the Spring Games Thursday. Photo by Elisabeth Strillacci
An athlete shows his skills in the javelin throw during Thursdays' Rowan County Special Olympics Spring Games. Photo by Elisabeth Strillacci
One of Thursday's Special Olympic athletes shows excellent form in a softball toss during the Spring Games at Catawba College. Photo by Elisabeth Strillacci
There were a number of rounds in the 100 meter dash, and somehow, in the warmer temperatures and the glaring sun, every athlete gave hes or her all and crossed the finish line smiling. Photo by Elisabeth Strillacci
SALISBURY — The annual Special Olympics of Rowan County’s Spring Game Event at Catawba College on Thursday morning celebrated a combination of just shy of 300 athletes and Catawba student partners on the field of Shuford Stadium at the college.
The event, which kicked off at 10 a.m. with former WBTV reporter David Whisenant introducing each of the teams, ran until noon, and there were numerous events and activities scattered around the field for the athletes, including softball and baseball throws, javelin throws and the 100-meter dash.
Salisbury Police Chief Patrick “PJ” Smith escorted Olympic torch bearer Henry to the center of the football field to the cheers and applause of the crowd. The event is one of two that the organization hosts for athletes. Thursday’s event was for high school and adult athletes from area high schools and adult programs. A second event for middle, elementary and young athletes is planned for April 10 at West Rowan High School.
Rowan County Special Olympics is part of the state program, which is one of the largest volunteer-driven sports organizations in the United States, with more than 20,000 volunteers. It is the second largest Special Olympics program in North America and one of the largest in the world. The Rowan County program was created in 2012.
According to the Special Olympics N.C. offices, nearly 45,000 Special Olympics athletes take part in Spring Games, which primarily feature athletic competition in track and field events; however, some counties offer other sports as well.
Thursday was sunny and well warmed up by 10 a.m. when all athletes paraded into the field, with each team carrying banners to show organization pride just as the countries do in the international Olympic games. They all then took to the stands for the color guard presentation, the athlete’s prayer, the national anthem and a traditional prayer before being called down to begin the competitions.
Applause, encouragement and a lot of smiles were the order of the day before wrapping up just after noon.
