Some of Cherokee County’s special citizens took a break from their normal routine recently as part of Special Olympics 2004, or Cherokee County Fun Day 2004, held in Cherokee County High School “Warrior” Stadium.

Cherokee County High School, the Cherokee County Special Education Department, Cherokee County Civitan Club and Cherokee County Junior Civitan Club sponsored this year’s event. An estimated 200 people, including students and volunteers, participated in this year’s games.

Special education students enrolled in the Cherokee County School System and also those enrolled in the Education and Training Center in Centre which serves adult clients were eligible to participate in this year’s events, which included the 50 Yard Dash, 50 Yard Walk/Roll, T-Ball Swing, Kickball Distance and Softball Throw.

Kay Davis, superintendent, Cherokee County Schools, was one of the many spectators who came out to watch this year’s games.

“It’s wonderful to see all these children out having a good time today and all these teachers that are supporting them,” said Mrs. Davis. “This is a wonderful event. I want to thank the Civitan Club and Sand Rock Jr. Civitan Club for helping out today and getting their refreshments together.”

Barbara Burgess also enjoyed the break from her routine and the chance to get outside on a perfect spring day. Mrs. Davis currently serves as case manager for the Education and Training Center.

“I think it is going wonderfully,” said Mrs. Burgess. “Mine are having a big time! They have been looking forward to it for a long time. We’ve been talking to them about it. They think they are all going to win a trophy and they probably will. We have everything they could want, including Kool-Aid, hamburgers. It is a good day!”

Dr. Trina Fortner, special education coordinator, Cherokee County Schools, expressed her appreciation to Tara Blanchard and Kathy Sewell, who are both employed by the Cherokee County School System, for the excellent job they did organizing this year’s games.

“It’s going great!” said Dr. Fortner. “I want to thank the sponsors for giving us the donations. This year it has been tremendous. The communities have really stepped up and helped us out this year.”

Susan Borders with the Centre Civitan Club said the Special Olympics is Civitan Club’s main event each year.

“We’ve been doing this for more than 15 years I know and it is something we look forward to every year,” said Borders. “We know the kids look forward to it to. It’s a joy to be able to work and do this, but we couldn’t do it without all of the people who contribute to it. This community is so good. As soon as you say that it is for Special Olympics or field day, they all contribute. It works out well.”

Civitans and volunteers extend thanks to this year’s sponsors for the Special Olympics including Cherokee County Commission, Embroidery Creations, Coosa Valley Turf, Freedom Ford, City of Centre, Town of Gaylesville, Town of Leesburg, Jane Poovey Real Estate, Starr’s Real Pit Bar-B-Que, Pruitt and Eberhart , DMD, O’Neal Realty, W.A. Ellis Jr., Howard’s Jewelry, Cherokee Electric Cooperative, Farmers and Merchants Bank, Centre, Alabama Teachers Credit Union, Alexander Chevrolet, Merle Norman, Tony’s Meats, Day’s Sporting Goods, The Medicine Shoppe, Patty Ford Photography, O.K. Tire, Snead Tractor, Alaco Pharmacy, Video Hut, Pam Sayer, Wal Mart, Daymaker’s Salon, Leesburg Roadrunner, Plaza Cotton and Perry Funeral Home.

Other contributors included McDonald’s, BBQ and More, Dari King, Hazel’s, Arctic Snow, Burger King, Real Pit BBQ, Huddle House, Foodland, Piggly Wiggly, Ingles, Lance, Kyuka Water, K-mart, Jack’s, Cherokee County High School and Band Boosters.

“I think the event has gone good and the weather is just fantastic!” said Mary Shewmaker, president, Centre Civitan Club. “It’s the first year in the last few years that we have had such wonderful weather. We’re just real pleased with the turnout. It looks like we’ve got about 200 here. They look forward to this all year long. This is just their one fun day!