The Scioto County Special Olympics officially kicked off their season on Friday with the 6th annual Walk-a-Thon held in Tracy Park. The event is designed to bring public awareness to the special olympics and raise money for expenses.

“This event is to raise money to hold special olympics in Scioto County. We have a lot of people here today to show their support. We also have the Portsmouth West Middle School Band, a crew from SOCF and we have the Valley Honors Society,” said Julie Monroe Scioto County Special Olympics coordinator.

Athletes in the Scioto County Special Olympics will compete in the sports of Softball, basketball, bowling, golf and track and field.

The softball team will be competing for the first time in early October.

Monroe said the kick off event raised about $3,000. She said the money raised will be used to purchase uniforms and get athletes to events.

“We have a lot of different sports. This gives a lot of the folks we serve an opportunity to be active and have a since of accomplishment,” said Ben Hollinger, Superintendent of the Scioto County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

Hollinger said, the special olympics is hoping to reach out to public schools that have students with developmental disabilities.

WAYNE ALLEN may be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 208, or wallen@heartlandpublications.com.