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Swain County to host Twin County Special Olympics April 25; organizers ask for funding and volunteers
Summary
Organizers told the Swain County Board of Commissioners the county will host the Twin County Special Olympics on April 25, 2025, and asked the board for volunteer support and roughly $10,000–$12,000 to cover shirts, food and medals.
Lee Hart, a Special Education teacher and local Special Olympics coordinator, told the Swain County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 7 that Swain County will host the Twin County Special Olympics for a two-year cycle beginning this spring, with a tentative meet date of April 25, 2025.
"So we're gonna be hosting the Special Olympics for the next 2 years," Lee Hart said. She told commissioners the county has invited surrounding counties, expects roughly 150 to 175 athletes, and will provide T-shirts, meals and medals on the day of the event. Hart said athletes are paired with one-on-one "buddies" who help them move between events.
Hart estimated the local cost at about $10,000 to $12,000, citing expenses for medals, T-shirts and other event supplies. Using last year's participation as an example, she said Swain brought about 22 athletes previously and needed roughly twice as many shirts to cover athletes and their buddies; this year she estimated about 25 Swain athletes and about 50 shirts for the county's participants and volunteers.
Two athletes who will compete when Swain hosts spoke to the commissioners. Nolan Griggs, introduced by Hart as a senior and Special Olympics competitor, said he participates in running and the softball throw and that "we win medals" and that he enjoys the cheering and competing. Colton Jenkins, introduced as a sophomore, said his favorite part of the day is the parade of schools and that "everyone leaves a winner."
Commissioners asked a few logistical questions about previous hosting and rain dates. Hart said the event has frequently been hosted in neighboring counties and that a rain date is planned if weather forces relocation; she also said churches and community groups have offered lodging and meal support. Hart asked commissioners to consider supporting the event financially and to help recruit volunteers from the county and community.
The board did not vote during the work session. The chair said commissioners would discuss possible funding and return the request to the agenda for a vote in a later general session.
What's next: Organizers will continue local fundraising and volunteer recruitment; commissioners said they would review the request and consider placing a funding item on a future regular meeting agenda.
