Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Special Olympics topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Alamance Parks presents Special Olympics programs, funding needs and volunteer call‑out
Summary
Alamance Parks staff updated the board on Special Olympics Alamance County programs, volunteer needs and fundraising: spring games drew about 465 athletes and 725 volunteers and the program’s average annual expense is roughly $25,000.
Alamance Parks presented an overview of Special Olympics Alamance County and requested continued county and community support for operations and fundraising.
Mackenzie Barrier, the county's adaptive and inclusive recreation coordinator and local Special Olympics organizer, told commissioners the program serves athletes age 8 through adult and operates year‑round with sports including bocce, basketball, soccer, swim and an equestrian program. Barrier said sport tournaments and spring games are made possible by volunteers and partnerships with Alamance‑Burlington Schools (ABSS) and Elon University.
Barrier gave program details and costs: spring games (the county track‑and‑field invitational) averaged about 465 athletes and 725 volunteers this year; spring games cost about $11,000 this past year. She said the program's average annual expense is about $25,000 and that equestrian costs run approximately $8,000. Barrier described fundraising efforts—golf tournaments, trail runs, auctions, donation drives and business sponsorships—and asked commissioners to consider outreach to potential coaches and sponsors.
Why it matters: Special Olympics provides year‑round adaptive sports programming and school partnerships that support inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities. Commissioners and several attendees praised the program; one commissioner announced an immediate $500 donation.
Barrier provided a sponsorship packet and contact information for volunteers and businesses interested in supporting Special Olympics Alamance County.
