No Off Season for These Olympics: Special Olympics of Walton County Director, Damien McNeil calls for more coaches
Special Olympics began its journey in Walton County four years ago, at the request of dedicated parents like Mike Schumacher. Today there are 84 athletes from Walton County from ages eight to adult competing on a year round basis. Damien McNeil began as a Special Olympics coach in Escambia county and has now been the Special Olympics Director for Walton County for two years. McNeil says, “Our goal is to provide a sense of community for these individuals with special needs. We’re always trying to get them involved and we have the best volunteer team.”
Volunteers
Jaime Conley, the local organization’s photographer and PR person first met Mike Schumacher two years ago at her office in Davis Properties. Schumacher saw her photography on the walls and asked if she would be interested in photographing an event. She agreed and has been a passionate supporter of the Special Olympics of Walton county ever since, photographing each event, putting together press releases and sharing event information.
Greatest Need
McNeil shares that the need for volunteer coaches is growing. Community members with time, desire to get involved, and knowledge of certain sports are urged to volunteer and meet this need.
Sporting events include
- Basketball
- Bocce
- Bowling
- Golf
- Paddle Board
- Powerlifting
- Soccer
- Surfing
- Swimming
- Track and Field
- [Flag football and softball are soon to be added to the line up.]
Schools have provided a vital partnership by opening their facilities for practices and events. ECMS hosts a “Special Olympics Field Day” every May in which all Walton County ESE students are invited to participate in. Freeport Middle school has also shared their track and facilities for events.
Competitions and Charitable Events
Special Olympics athletes in Walton county compete on three levels: locally, regionally and state. Community members are invited to attend, support and volunteer at these events. For more information including an events schedule, visit specialolympicsflorida.org/walton/.
Come and get a little friendly competition on in the second annual Corn Hole Tournament hosted by the Rosemary Beach Foundation. The 2016 Tournament benefits Rosemary Beach Foundation and charitable partner, Special Olympics Florida Walton County. The two-member team (single elimination) Corn Hole Tournament will begin at 9:30 a.m on Saturday, September 3 on Rosemary Beach’s St. Augustine Green. This is a great opportunity for you or your business to get involved in the community! If you are interested in sponsoring, please contact Malayne DeMars at malayne.demars@gmail.com.
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