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Special Olympics Davie County (SODC) athletes, coaches and volunteers have been busy training, competing and building community over the past several months.

From March to February, 22 athletes trained and competed in bowling locally at Woodleaf Lanes in Salisbury under the leadership of longtime coach Debra Tuttle. Athletes were paired in groups of doubles or singles. Several athletes earned highly competitive scores, which led to close matchups. The season ended with a pizza party and ribbon ceremony.

At the end of March, 17 athletes started training locally in walking, running and throwing events. Athletes included school-aged children and adults who entered the season with a range of skills. Athletes included Brianna Abshire, Katelyn Anderson, Tommy Brown, Salem Cornatzer, Makenzie Cote, Ivy Cowden, Brodie Douglass, Sarah Feldman, Maggie Fitzgerald, Ruth Hites, Cosmo Hutchins, Abigail Jepsen, Sarah Riddle, Zachary Scott, Zach Spry, Jill St. Clair and Dakota Tuttle.

Volunteer coaches Lisa Cornatzer and Dany Cote, alongside student coaches, trained athletes for three months and introduced athletes to a new throw event: javelin.

In June, 13 of the track and field athletes dazzled in gold, silver and bronze medals at the 2024 Special Olympics N.C. Summer Games June 1 in Raleigh. Athletes from Davie brought home 20 gold medals, 15 silver medals, one bronze medal and two fourth-place ribbons. Wins included medals for javelin.

SONC Summer Games marked the end of the spring training season. Since then, athletes have had opportunities to beat the heat in a recreational indoor bocce league; indoor corn hole in partnership with Senior Games; and a tie-dye activity to celebrate the July 4th holiday.

In August, athletes start revving up for the SONC Fall Tournament for roller skating, golf, tennis and soccer. Outdoor bocce will be offered during this time. Individuals with intellectual disabilities must be 8-years-old and have a valid medical physical on file to participate in Special Olympics. No prior sporting experience or minimum ability level is required.

Special Olympics programming is not possible without the support of dedicated volunteers and coaches. If interested in joining the fun, email: davie@sonc.net.