Jones County JC hosts Area 17 Special Olympics

ELLISVILLE, Miss. - It was cool, breezy and overcast Friday morning at Bobcat Stadium.

But that could not deter smiles and spirits of athletes and volunteers alike, as the annual Area 17 Special Olympics took place on the campus of Jones County Junior College.

"This is our biggest event we put on annually," said Pam Johnson, director of Area 17 Special Olympics and an employee of Ellisville State School in the Vocational Services department. "It is important because you have a group of athletes who are out for competition and to socialize. It's not something they are usually privy to."

Over 300 athletes were on hand for the Spring Games. Events included softball throw, track and field, volleyball, golf, basketball, soccer, horseshoes and beanbag toss.

"It just warms my heart," said Johnson of watching the local athletes participate.

"If this doesn't warm your heart, something is not right. It is really a good thing for them."

Athletes of all ages participate in the Spring Games. Around 75-100 competitors qualified from Area 17 to compete in the State Games in May at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi.

The Area 17 Special Olympics have been held at JCJC for over 10 years. Johnson credits the school's staff, faculty, student-athletes and coaches, along with sponsors and countless volunteers, with making the event a success each year.

"JCJC is a huge part in all of this," she said. "You look out at all of these volunteers here and this would not be possible without them and our sponsors. We are very appreciative of what they do for us."

For more information on the Special Olympics, go to www.specialolympics.org.


Athletes from the Ellisville Group Home get ready to march on the track during opening ceremonies Friday morning at Bobcat


An athlete competes in basketball during the Area 17 Special Olympics Friday morning at Bobcat Stadium.

An athlete puts a great deal of effort into the softball throw during the Area 17 Special Olympics Friday morning at Bobcat Stadium.

Photos/Shawn Wansley, JCJC Sports Information