Fun and talent shine at Special Olympics
PHOTO BY MARY CANNADAY
Bocci contender Ashia Mann was totally focused on her technique at the Polk Special Olympics Saturday. The Bocci games were held at Jean O'Dell Learning Center on Floral Avenue. Track and field events were across Broadway at the Bartow High School track.
PHOTO BY MARY CANNADAY
William O'Conner, a student at the Doris Sanders Learning Center, was a streak of lightning in the 4x400 relay, which was part of the Polk Special Olympics Saturday in Bartow. William brought stand-up cheers from the crowd as he zoomed around the track.
PHOTO BY MARY CANNADAY
Adam Tucker, of Doris Sanders Learning Center, has a bunch of blue ribbons around his neck, having captured the top spot in the long jump, relay, and 100 meter races. Adam participated along with a number of athletes in the Polk Special Olympics held in Bartow Saturday.
Despite the festive atmosphere, the athletes gathered for Saturday’s Polk Special Olympics event were serious about winning.
Students in the afternoon events were well-practiced in bocci, a sport similar to lawn-bowling. Volunteers at the Jean O’Dell Learning Center scurried about, coaching, measuring, and giving the “go ahead” to the next contestant. Spectators chatted, cheered and soaked up the sunshine.
