From BleckleyProgress.com

Community News
Only winners at this track meet.
By Dave Whitaker
May 5, 2015, 22:56

Games like this were for younger athletes who couldn't participate in the events.


For the only time this year, Bleckley County High School hosted a track meet. There were athletes from Bleckley, Dodge, and Pulaski Counties. But at this meet, all the athletes got cheers, regardless of the shirt they wore.

Besides medals, face tattoos were another momento participants and younger volunteers could carry home.


Volunteers from Cochran would high five Dodge and Hawkinsville participants. Though there were places announced, everyone got a medal. It was the Tri County Olympics for special needs students in Bleckley, Dodge, and Pulaski Counties.

Some big distances were racked up in the softball toss including this athlete having a thro of 99 feet.


This event was funded by organizers, including over $2,500 raised by Bleckley Elementary. Cochran Wendy's donated 350 hamburgers for lunch. Volunteer Debbie Puckett said they wanted the kids to have fun.

Games like this were for younger athletes who couldn't participate in the events.


Events included running and standing long jump, football and softball tosses, and various races. Over on the softball field, there was a bounce house and other activities for those too young to participate. Announcements were made on what event was happening and who needed to be there.

Another set of volunteers came from Middle GeorgiaRehab Physical Therarpy. Seen (not in order) are Amamda Phillips, Ken Youngblood, Brandi Braswell, Ashley Puckett, and Brittany Kilpatrick.


During lunch, one athlete excitedly asked Pam Churchwell (who headed up the event) when awards would be given out. She told them at 12:15 and asked if they thought they'd won any medals. The ceremony took a while as everyone was recognized for putting fourth their best effort possible.

These athletes were proud of their medals.


And as children got back on their buses to return to school, they didn't leave as special needs students. They left as athletes who had had accomplishments to be proud of.


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