BY DR. JAMES TROGLEN
SPECIAL TO THE ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
Photos by James Troglen and/or submitted by the SEHS JROTC program
“The things that make me different are the things that make me me.”
This is the sentence found on the back cover of the 2022 Ability Games of Elmore County program. The Ability Games were held Tuesday at the Wetumpka Sports Complex Football Stadium with a great crowd and a lot of laughing kids. Beautiful weather didn’t hurt either. Elmore County Public Schools Special Needs Department the day for multi-handicapped students in the school system
It was an event everyone needed to observe and can be proud of Elmore County for providing. Twenty-four different events were available to the kids. A giant Jenga game stood almost six feet tall and should have been accompanied by its own lumberjack. A massive Corn Hole game with bean bags larger than sofa cushions was made available. There was volleyball played with a giant ball as large as a Volkswagen bug.
When you add Foot Darts, Frisbee, Basketball, Ninja and more the kids were kept busy. Participants changed stations in groups every 8-10 minutes until everyone had a chance at every challenge.
The games were designed for students in Elmore County that have special needs. The day was set aside just for them, with the help of many volunteers, to give them their own special day, indeed.
The participants even used some of their own creativity. I saw two kids get hold of two other students in wheelchairs and started their own race. Luckily parents and volunteers got to them before they could get to a good flat stretch to really put the hammer down.
One little guy in a red shirt just twirled in front of his mom and said, “This is my day, my day.” And it was a GREAT day.
Concessions were available at very reasonable prices. One young girl get her grandfather a hot dog to eat. The hot dogs were only one dollar, BUT – the little lass had at least three dollars’ worth of mustard on it. The grandfather looked a bit startled but seemed to enjoy it.
So many volunteers were there all having as much fun as the kids. Anyone who missed the event missed a special time of focusing on what these abilities ARE rather than their limitations.
Proud parents, willing volunteers, good weather and challenging games – oh, and let’s not forget the mustard! Good job Elmore County! See more photos below!
