Special Olympics enjoys another successful walk-a-thon fundraiser

One of the most interactive and enjoyable events for Klamath County Special Olympics has been the organization’s walk-a-thon.

It is one of the largest fundraisers of the year for the group and has the athletes go to businesses, family and friends to gain pledges as they walk around Moore Park.

The event, year-after-year, has grown in money raised for the program and, this year, raised $5,400, with money still coming in.

“It is another record year for us and we still have people asking us if they can mail in a check,” coordinator Darcie Turner said. “This is one of the most pleasant events for our athletes and we really appreciate the entire day and everyone who is involved.”

It has been six years the walk-a-thon started in Klamath Falls, and got its idea from the several other Special Olympics programs in the state of Oregon. The idea first came from Roseburg, which tends to bring in around $30,000 in donations.

The event helps prepare the group for its fall season for sports in soccer, aquatics and bowling.

Soccer gives the chance for members to compete in a state competition, and even attend a Portland Timbers game.

The walk-a-thon took place Saturday and gave the 28 athletes who came a chance to register for the fall season, participate in the walk for about 15 minutes and was followed with a barbecue.

Each athlete who earned donations was given the choice to choose from a prize table, and included a Kindle Fire, tablets and video games, given by local businesses.

Randy Clark earned the most and was able to select first from the table of prizes after he came up with $2,141 in pledges. Steven Duckett followed with $569.50, Cathie Lewis$490 and Deborah Muno with $357.

Clark earned most of his donations during Klamath Falls Gems and Falcons games this year.

State games occurred the second week of July for the Special Olympics spring season, the organization’s most participated season.

Softball, golf, bocce ball and track and field are in the spring and gave plenty of time to help athletes prepare beforehand to raise money for the walk.

“We really are grateful for the help, the cooks and the many businesses who helped make it a great event for us,” Turner said. “This event just keeps growing for us and every athlete took something away from it.”

jaguilar@heraldandnews.com; Follow @joaquina33

Members of the Klamath County Special Olympics participate in their annual walk-a-thon Saturday at Moore Park.

Submitted photo

From left to right, Klamath County Special Olympics members Randy Clark, Steven Duckett, Cathie Lewis and Deb Muno in last Saturday's walk-a-thon. Clark earned $2,141 to earn the most in donations.

Submitted photo