Submitted Photo | Daily Times Lana Hill, left, Service Support Administrator with the Scioto County Board of Developmental Disabilities poses participants during last year’s Special Olympics Walkathon.

slideshow

WAYNE ALLEN

PDT Staff Writer

The Scioto County Special Olympics season is set to kickoff with it’s annual Scioto County Special Olympics Walkathon set for today at Tracy Park in Portsmouth.

Julie Monroe, coordinator for the Scioto County Special Olympics and director of Community Services at the Scioto County Board of Developmental Disabilities (SCBDD), said the event, now in its sixth year, is used to raise money and awareness about the local Special Olympics program.

“Our athletes participate in basketball, tack and field, volleyball and bowling. We expanded our program last year, not only in events by adding volleyball but also by including some students from Valley Middle School,” Monroe said. “What’s neat about the walkathon is the people that raise the most money are, our participants. This is a way they can give back.”

Monroe said the event is filled with activities, as well as the featured walk.

“Not only does this event serve as a fundraiser for Special Olympics, but we also use this opportunity to share information on Special Olympics and SCBDD services. There are also activities to take part in for the whole family,” Monroe said in a released statement.

She said all of the money raised during the event will be used to offset the cost of travel and other expenses for the Special Olympics teams.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with food, games, activities and various give aways will take place throughout the day.

For more information call 740-353-8448.

Wayne Allen may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 208, or wallen@heartlandpublications.com.