By Amanda Pevey
Elmore/Autauga News
On Friday, the fourth annual Ability Games were held at the Wetumpka Sports Complex Football Stadium. This yearly event allows students in the special needs program to participate in a day of fun and games. This program was sponsored by the Special Education Adaptive P.E. Department. Students from Kindergarten through Twelfth grade participated in all the games and fun.
Many thanks to all of the volunteers which included teachers, teacher aides, ECBOE staff, cheerleaders from the schools who helped make the day truly successful. The weather was perfect. Special thanks to the City of Wetumpka, Wetumpka Fire Department, Wetumpka Police Department, and the Millbrook Police Department.
“It’s an honor to be a part in such an amazing event for students with disabilities in Elmore County,” said Rachel Pettiway.
Pettiway is the Special Education Accountant for Elmore County Public Schools.
She continued, “This event would not be possible if we didn’t have such amazing people in the Elmore County Community. Thank you to ECBOE board members, ECBOE staff, sponsors, volunteers, and students. We look forward to the 5th Annual Ability Games of Elmore County.”
A special shoutout to Elmore County’s Public School Related Service staff, Katie Pouncey, Sarah Williams, Katie Childress, Holley Taylor, and Melinda Allen. The Ability Games wouldn’t be possible without them.
In attendance were many public officials including Elmore County School Board Vice Chairman Michael Morgan, board member Wendell Saxon, County Commissioner Desirae Lewis, Rashawn Blassingame and Wetumpka’s Tourism Director Andrew Stieb. Also attending were Elsa and Spider-Man from the Party Palace, Big Mo from Montgomery Biscuits, the ASU Hornet mascot and some of the other area school mascots.
Opening ceremonies began with a prayer. The Wetumpka ROTC presented the colors. The Pledge of Allegiance was given by Jordan Lowry. The National Anthem was sung by Maddie Allen. Opening remarks were given by Athletic Director Bear Woods, Commissioner Desirae Lewis, and Wetumpka’s Tourism Director Andrew Stieb.
Then it was time for the games to begin. Each group went to their assigned starting station, and was able to participate for 10 minutes then rotate to the next station to play games, dance to music, and have their picture taken.
Pictures were given to each athlete and were done professionally by Chrietzberg Photography.
There were 18 different stations for all the children to enjoy. They included Zip It Course, Parachute, Gaga Pit, Jumping/Bouncing, Football, Foot Darts, Hoop Mania, T-ball Swing, 7 Element Course, Wacky 5-N-1, Volleyball, Checkers, Connect 4, Legos, Jenga/Tic Tac Toe, Soft Play, Chess, and Sports Arena Combo.
Students and high school volunteers had lunch from the Hot Spot Child Nutrition Food Truck. Bama Chill Co provided sno-cones to each student athlete.
Concessions were available for teachers, aides, adult volunteers, and spectators that included pizza (Dominos), hamburgers, hot dogs, candy, chips, nachos and drinks.
After lunch, student athletes enjoyed free run where they could move freely among the stations of their choice. Closing ceremonies were at the end, and every student participant received a medal.
Thank you to all of the many sponsors that sponsored this event. They include Garner and Associates Engineering, Adam’s Drugs, Ken Owen from State Farm, Senator Clyde Chambliss, Superior Van and Mobility, Elmore County Commission, Domino’s, 1st Community Bank, American Fidelity, CB&S Bank, Cousins Insurance Agency, Inc, Edwards & Edwards, P.C., Musco Lighting, Zap Pest Control, BSN, and Bama Chill Co.
For more information about Elmore County Schools and their departments, please visit their website at: https://www.elmoreco.com. You can also visit their Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/ECBOE.
