Ability Games in Wetumpka Bring Smiles, Fun and the Governor

By Amanda Pevey

Elmore/Autauga News

On Friday, the third annual Ability Games was held at the Wetumpka Sports Complex Football Stadium. The event was hosted by Jason Mann CSFO, Special Education Department, and Elmore County Adaptive PE for Elmore County Public Schools. This event allowed all students in the special needs program to participate in a day of fun and games.

There were 150 students from Kindergarten through Twelfth grade that attended. Many thanks to the 100 volunteers which included teachers, teacher aides, adults and students. Beautiful weather also appreciated.

Officials were attendance Cindy Pate, representing Rp. Tommy Tuberville; Elmore County Commissioner Henry Hines; three members of the Elmore County Board of Education including Chairman Michael Morgan, Wendell Saxon, and David Jones; Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis; Wetumpka Fire Chief Greg Willis; Governor Kay Ivey and Senator Clyde Chambliss.

Opening ceremonies began with a prayer given by David Jones, Elmore County Board Member for District 3. The Wetumpka ROTC presented the colors. The National Anthem was sung by Maddie Allen. The Pledge of Allegiance was given by student athletes. Mayor Jerry Willis introduced a new mascot named “Short the Squirrel,” which is a representative of the Alabama Literacy Council. Willis stated it’s something the city will be introducing throughout the county and more information to come in the next few weeks.

Senator Chambliss acknowledged the delegation and introduced Governor Ivey. Ivey thanked Senator Chambliss for his leadership.

“It is great to be in the City of Wetumpka for such a special event,” Ivey said.

She continued, “Encouraging all Alabamians, especially our young folks, to reach for the stars, and be the very best version of themselves is so important. We must empower them to unlock their greatest talents and find what they are most passionate about. Folks, that’s what today is all about, by coming together and putting on such a wonderful day of friendly competition. We are helping these extraordinary and resilient young folks showcase their talents, building confidence, and memories to last a lifetime.

“People with disabilities have successfully performed at every level and its imperative that we continue to promote the abilities of all Alabamians. These boys and girls truly do inspire me and I am so excited to watch them compete. So, with that said, let the games begin.”

Groups then went on to their assigned starting station and were able to go to each station to play games, dance to music, and take pictures.

There were 18 different stations for the children to enjoy. They included parachute play, foot darts, ZIP IT, frisbee, fitness, wacky 5-N-1, football, corn hole, music time, pictures, sports arena combo, hoop mania, soft play, stacking, jumping/bouncing, seven-element course, big games, and launch it. Maurice Wood with Carousel Music provided music for the event. 

Students and high school volunteers had lunch from the Hot Spot Child Nutrition Food Truck.

Concessions were available for teachers, aides, adult volunteers, and spectators which included Pizza (Dominos), Hotdogs, Hamburgers, Candy, Chips, Nachos, and Drinks.

Closing ceremonies took place at the end of the event and every student participant received a medal.

Sponsors included First Community Bank, Cintas, LifeTouch, Dominos, State Farm- Ken Owen, Zap Pest Control, CB&S Bank, Guardian Credit Union, American Fidelity, City of Wetumpka, and Kingdom Dough.

A special recognition was given to Sharon Hauk, an Adaptive PE teacher who worked very hard in preparation for the games. Also, to Chief Johnson with the Millbrook Police Department who had one of his officers provide a police escort for the Millbrook schools to the Ability Games event.

“Today’s 2023 ECBOE Ability Games were a complete success,” said Jason Mann.

He continued, “We would like to take a moment and thank our sponsors who made this event happen. A huge thank you to Lifetouch and their reps Lindsey Stubblefield and Jonathan Wright for all of the photography for the event, tent banners, and student portfolios. We would also like to say a big thank you to the Mayor Jerry Willis and the Wetumpka Park and Rec for all their help and use of the Stadium for today’s event.

“Thank you to all of the ECBOE Board Members and to all of the ECBOE Special Education staff that took part in planning today’s events. We were honored to have Governor Kay Ivey and Senator Clyde Chambliss as our guest speakers to open the 2023 Ability Games. That was special. I also want to say thank our great SPED teachers and aides that we had at today’s event. Without great teachers who want the best for their kids our program would never happen.

“They are a special group of teachers who love their kids and want the best for them. The student volunteers at today’s event are to be commended. They were very helpful and had great interactions with our athletes. It was great to see that all the students on hand today, whether as an athlete competing or a student volunteering, they were having a great time creating joyful memories. I look forward to making this event grow each year. Thanks again to everyone who had a hand in making this event a success.”

That includes Rachel Pettiway, with the Special Education Department and other staff including Special Education Adaptive PE, and Special Education Related Services Staff.

Pettiway is the Special Education Accountant for Elmore County Public Schools, and she designed the shirts for the students and volunteers to wear.

“Today’s event has been nothing short of amazing,” said Pettiway. She continued, “It is truly an honor to be a part in such an amazing event for students in Elmore County. 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 next year!”

Stanhope Elmore High School Principal Ewell Fuller said, “Ability Games was a great way to celebrate our students in a positive way, especially when it comes to the Super kids. They are definitely a bright spot. When you’re having a bad day, you can always go into their room and see 20-plus smiles all the time. Everyone did an awesome job today. I enjoyed coming out today to see everyone. I want to thank Richard Dennis, the ECBOE and Central office staff for making this day successful.”

Principal of Millbrook Middle School Sean Kreauter said, “Our students look forward to this event every year. Our students have been talking about this event for a month and a half now. It’s a great way for our students to get out of school and off campus, to come to a more structured environment to be with their friends. Thank you to all our parents, special education staff for really making this event the best one yet.”

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. 

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