CHRIS GILLIAM
Sports Editor
A Special Olympian from Magnolia Specialized Services said the Area 15 Games are what he had been waiting for.
“I’m out here to win it and it’s all good. God is good. It’s fun,” said an athlete who helped carry the Magnolia Specialized Services banner during the Parade of Athletes.
Hundreds of athletes from Columbia, Ouachita, Union, Nevada, and surrounding counties gathered at Magnolia’s Panther Stadium Wednesday morning for the annual event.
The Parade of Athletes was followed by the lighting of the torch and other activities prior to the games beginning. They included the National Anthem, prayer, cheer routine from Magnolia Junior High, and a dance/baton twirling team from Magnolia Specialized Services.
Jei Parlor of Smackover was named the Area 15 Special Olympic Athlete of the Year.
Several volunteers also helped out, including several officials from the Magnolia School District, Southern Arkansas University and Magnolia Fire Department.
This year’s Special Olympics were dedicated to the late Ralph Weiser, who was announced as “a long-time friend and supporter of the Area 15 Special Olympic Games.