Posted on 05/18/2022
Students and staff did not let the rain ruin this year's Special Olympics at A.C. Reynolds High School (ACRHS). Participants showed up from Haw Creek Elementary, Charles C. Bell Elementary, Oakley Elementary, Fairview Elementary, Cane Creek Middle, A.C. Reynolds Middle, and ACRHS. The football stadium was filled with smiling faces as this was the first Special Olympics since 2019. ACRHS Principal Doris Sellers couldn’t wait to give the students this opportunity.
“The Reynolds District teachers created a plan to do this for our Reynolds district Special Olympians,” she said. “Our students look forward to this event every year, and we did not want a year to go without these athletes coming together in competition with love shown to them by the community.”
That love was the main ingredient in making the event happen. Love for the students, sports, schools, community, and the event itself shined through on the cloudy day. It took staff days to prepare for the event, which turned out to be a success.
“Excitement built up all week long with the Special Olympic athletes and their buddies,” explained Ms. Sellers. “I was proud to see the schools come together with buses full of students eager and ready to have fun. The Opening Ceremony and competition was truly a special moment.”
Staff from each school worked together in order to make the Reynolds Special Olympics one to remember. Ms. Sellers said this wouldn’t have been possible without the help of an amazing team of people.
“I give full credit to our staff for making this event happen,” Ms. Sellers said. “When each district was asked by the North Carolina Special Olympics committee to recognize their own athletes, Ms. Jessica Dotson and Ms. Jennie Wiseman, along with our other Exceptional Children's teachers began planning. We are thankful to the Reynolds Fire Department, Buncombe County Sheriff’s Department, Pepsi, and Chick-Fil-A for helping us as well. Their love for the students is what made the day worthwhile.”
