Special Olympics banquet honors all of its athletes

Nov. 19--FAIRMONT -- Cari Shepard got involved with the Special Olympics because her son has Down syndrome.

After years of being with the organization and working with the athletes who are part of it, she has found it has helped her and her family possibly more than it has helped her son.

"These kids and adults are so loving. They're so intelligent as far as what they're wanting to do. They just need help. They just need someone who's willing to come alongside them and encourage them. I think I get more out of this than they do," Shepard, who is now director of the Marion County Special Olympics, said.

Saturday night, the Covenant Church on the East Side of Fairmont held a banquet where 117 athletes ages 8 and up from the different sports in the program received recognition and awards for their efforts, as well as some food.

"The Special Olympic athletes and their families overcome obstacles every day of their lives, so we feel like it's such a positive avenue for them to excel, so that's why we chose Special Olympics to sponsor," Sara Morgan, a senior pastor at Covenant Church who also coached the Special Olympics soccer team this year, said.

Though Marion County'sSpecial Olympics program holds a banquet every year, Morgan decided to get the church involved to give back to a program that has helped so many.

She said there are a few special-needs individuals within the Covenant Church, and she saw a dinner as a way to give back to the program that helps them.

"We wanted to let the athletes know that we care about them, but also for the volunteers that give continually all year long to have a night where they could receive," Morgan said.

The seasonal cycle of sports in the Special Olympics in Marion County includes basketball, cheerleading, golf, corn hole, softball, bowling and more, and the teams of each have participated in state competitions.

The banquet saw some special awards given out to its athletes in categories such as "most improved," and for athletes who have made new records. But as in the sports themselves, everyone was a winner at this dinner.

"This is just our way of saying we think you guys are all superstars," Shepard said.

To get involved or volunteer with the Marion County Special Olympics, call the Disability Action Center at 304-366-3213.

Email Eddie Trizzino at etrizzino@timeswv.com and follow him on Twitter at @eddietimeswv.

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