May 4, 2018

On Friday May 4, 2018 the Special Olympics held their Annual Track and Field games for kids at Rhodes College. The athletes were from all over the area and many from local Elementary, Junior High, and High Schools. The athletes competed in 12 events and were awarded ribbons for First, Second, and Third place. There was music, food, and items for sale and the location was beautiful. F.O.P. Vice President George Cave, Treasurer Brinda Williams, Secretary Shayne Tarena, and members Kelvin Hailey, Vince Beasley, Juan Gonzalez, Jocelyn Bracey, Roy Tidwell, Jon Demuth, and A.C.R.E. members Janet Taylor (her late husband was MPD Captain Charles Taylor) and retired MFD firefighter K.O. Ellis all showed up to help the athletes by either leading them to their events or by helping to run an event such as softball toss or long jump. Several members also ran the Torch Run wth members of the MPD Training Academy around the track to open the games and the MPD Color Guard was on hand to present the colors.

On Saturday May 5, 2018 the second day of events was held for athletes of all ages, most being adult athletes. Again there was music, food, and items for sale and the weather was perfect. F.O.P. Vice President George Cave, Treasurer Brinda Williams, State Trustee Richard McCain (along with his wife and Auxiliary member Stephanie and their son Richard Jr), and member Roy Tidwell showed up to lend a hand and ended up helping out with a first time ever event at the event, the Mini Javelin. It was another great day and a good time was had by all. Please ask about upcoming events for Special Olympics and how you can get involved.