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Franklin County recognizes Special Olympics athletes; ARC of Tri‑Cities gives annual program update
Summary
The ARC of Tri‑Cities brought Special Olympics athletes to the Franklin County commissioners to present medals and describe local programming supported by the county’s mental health/developmental-disabilities millage funding.
The ARC of Tri‑Cities brought Special Olympics athletes, coaches and family members to the Franklin County commissioners on Jan. 8 to present medals and describe year‑round programs funded in part by a county mental health/developmental‑disabilities millage.
The ARC’s representative, Donna Tracy, told the board the county contracts millage dollars to the ARC to support Special Olympics programming and community supports for people with developmental disabilities.
Tracy said the program fields about 14 sports with year‑round teams and volunteer coaches and described the program as “a safety net for our community” that helps participants find social supports. “I’m Donna from the ARC, and I’m so excited to bring our athletes,” Tracy said.
Several athletes introduced themselves and described sports they participate in. Wayne, a Special Olympics participant who Tracy said relocated to the area and found support through the ARC, listed basketball, volleyball, track and softball among his sports and said he has been involved for “almost 4 years.” Christina, who said she has been on the cycling team for more than a decade, called coaches “like a father figure” and said teammates are “like family.”
Commissioners thanked the athletes and volunteers for their work with the program and invited community members interested in coaching to contact the ARC.
The presentation took place during the board’s regular meeting; no county policy change or vote on program funding was taken at the session.
