The Carroll County Special Olympics Team has kept busy all year.

From late August until February they prepared for tournament basketball by practicing every Sunday at Woodlawn Gym. In January, they held a Basketball Classic at Carroll County Intermediate School to showcase their skills for the public, and the community turned out in force to cheer for them.

This year, the team was invited to three tournaments. Coach Vickey Ritchie and assistant coach Toni Hall took them to Virginia Tech on Valentine’s Day, Pulaski County two weeks later, and Roanoke College at Salem in early March.

After a bowling party and swim party to celebrate the basketball season, their attention turned to track and field. Practice each Sunday at Carroll County High School led to them participating in the Radford University Spring Games in late April.

Coach Ritchie would like to thank the community for their support. A fundraising yard sale held Veteran’s Day weekend at Woodlawn School was well attended and provided funds for uniforms and activities all year long. A super turnout at CCIS got the athletes, ranging in age from 8 to 22, and their three unified partners ready for the crowd noise and rowdy atmosphere they faced at the tournaments. A large contingent from Carroll County traveled with them as a cheering section to all 3 basketball tournaments and then to Radford. Emily Ogle carried the torch at Virginia Tech, and Daniel Tobler carried the torch at Radford, and both times, Carroll County fans made some noise!

Now the team would like to invite the community to watch them in a Track and Field Classic to be held Sunday, May 31st, from 2 until 4 p.m. at the Carroll County High School Track. This is a free event and shade and chairs will be available right by the finish line; awards ceremony and refreshments afterwards. The public is invited!