FORT STEWART, Ga. - Every student was a winner at the Fort Stewart 2012 Spring Special Olympics held at Quick Track April 27.
The Olympiads from Liberty, Long, and Fort Stewart Schools made the record books again with their genuine enthusiasm and excitement as they made their way through events of walks, assisted walking, wheelchair races, motorized wheelchair slalom, 50-100-200 meter runs, softball and tennis ball throws.
Though the visit of President Obama and First Lady Michelle was happening on the other side of the installation, the abundance of happiness and true grit was displayed with overwhelming eagerness throughout the planned track and field events.
Over 250 volunteers were on hand who had signed up through Army Community Service. They worked the track as helpers, huggers and cheerers to the track and field participants.
For Vicki Wiginton, Army Community Service, this was a bittersweet Olympics. Having involvement with the Special Olympics for 14 years, this is scheduled to be her last one.
"I will be retiring this year," said Wiginton.
Mavis Crowell, also with Army Community Service, who has been garnering the logistical support for the Special Olympics since 2005, stated that it [Special Olympics] was not in peril.
"They will still be going strong and handled by the Exception Family Member Program of ACS," said Crowell.
Adaptative Physical Education instructor, Debbie Tomkiewica, explained the process behind Adaptive PE.
"The program services kids who might be successful in regular physical education programs."
In the program, Tomkiewica goes to the various schools in Liberty County from grades Kindergarten-8th.
Tomkiewica also commented on the volunteer support, which they get at every event.
"It is incredible from the Soldiers. They are enthusiastic and it really makes the kids feel really good. They look forward to competing each year, when we do this track and field in the spring and our bowling event here in December."
Another individual who was proud to be at the spring event again was Laurel Howard, who stated she has been with Special Olympics since 1990, but has been coming out to the Fort Stewart events since 1995.
"Fort Stewart has been an excellent partner with us," said Howard. "The kids talk about the Special Olympics as soon as they walk in the door at the beginning of the school year. They always want to know when do we go back."
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