April 17th, 2025 – 2:30 PM

Ethan Garrett – WRGA Digital News Editor & Video Reporter –

The Floyd County Special Olympics kicked off at Darlington School at Jerry Sharp Field in the Chris Hunter Stadium on Thursday morning.

The 2025 Special Olympic Games started with a parade of athletes, drawing large crowds to cheer on the Olympic participants.

The Special Olympics was founded on the belief that people with intellectual disabilities can, with proper instruction and encouragement, learn, enjoy, and benefit from participation in individual and team sports.

The goal is to help participants of all ages become part of the larger community, where they’re accepted, respected, and given a chance to succeed.