By FRANK LEWIS
PDT Staff Writer

Special Olympics athletes gathered with supporters in Tracy Park on Friday to kick off the Special Olympics season.

Special Olympics coordinator Julie Monroe said the kickoff and walk-a-thon had a special meaning to those involved in the various MRDD programs and the participants.

"This is our third year. We do it every year, and it is to raise public awareness for our Special Olympics program, and to raise funds for our program," Monroe said. "The athletes have been out getting sponsors for the last month to sponsor them in this Walk-A-Thon. The money to be raised helps to support our program through buying uniforms and helping them pay for things for travel, paying coaches salaries and things like that."

Monroe was complimentary of the student volunteers and support the program has received from Lucasville Valley Local School District.

"We like to encourage our kids to be involved in community service and help other people," said Jeff Rase, Valley Middle School guidance counselor. "And there are a lot of participants here that are from our school district and from Scioto County."

Rase said the students are sometimes underrated in their talents and abilities to get involved in such programs.

"Last year they had a really great time. With no experience they didn