Cherokee Holds Special Olympic Awareness Games

The Cherokee County School District on Thursday held its annual Special Olympics Awareness games.

Held at River Ridge High School in Woodstock, the games had more than 750 athletes and volunteers from 32 schools participate in a variety of activities and track and field events such as 50-yard dash, long jump, softball throw, wheelchair events and bean bag throw.  

The games are part of the district's special education students' Community-Based Instruction (CBI) for recreation and socialization. It utilizes hundreds of volunteers, many of whom participate through Friends' Clubs at their respective schools.  Peer helpers and club sponsors are responsible for much of the success of the day.  

The event is coordinated by Amy Aenchbacher and Dave Martinez, adapted physical education teachers for the school district. 

This year, Special Education supervisor Dr. Pam Ballato, who is retiring at the end of April, was recognized for her years of participation and support of the Games.