Clinton City Schools athletes excel at Special Olympics track meet
Owen Webb placed second in softball throw and fourth in 25-meter wheelchair race. He also was a torch bearer for the opening ceremonies. He is a fourth-grader at Clinton Elementary School. (photo:Submitted )
The Area 5 Traditional and Unified Track and Field Competition took place April 6 at Hardin Valley Academy and featured athletes from Knox County, Anderson County and Oak Ridge. Students from Clinton Elementary School and North Clinton Elementary School won or placed in relays, long jump, softball throw, running and assisted walking events.
“We are extremely proud of our students and the success that they experienced at the Special Olympics,” CCS Director Kelly Johnson said. “This is always a highlight of their year, and it was heartwarming to see the joy on all their faces as they crossed the finish lines.”
CCS fielded two unified relay teams in the 4x100-meter relay. Christin Webb, a Clinton Elementary teacher who organized the event, said it marked the system’s first year with unified teams, which combine students with disabilities and peer partners.
CCS Unified Relay Team 1 captured first place with Max Poore, Isaac Hankes, Briley Webber (peer) and Wade Terry (peer). CCS Unified Relay Team 2 placed fourth with Freeman Jock, Alina Culp, Carson Chambers (peer) and Olivia Arceneaux (peer).
Several other CCS athletes also turned in top performances:
• Abel Hagood finished first in the 100-meter run and first in the running long jump.
• Culp placed second in the standing long jump.
• Estella Morris took first in the softball throw and first in the 100-meter run.
• Jock finished third in the softball throw.
• Hankes won the running long jump.
• Jaxon Sumlin placed first in the 50-meter run and second in the softball throw.
• Poore took second in the 100-meter run and fourth in the standing long jump.
• Owen Webb finished second in the softball throw and fourth in the 25-meter wheelchair race. He also served as a torch bearer during the opening ceremonies.
• Torrin Wilson placed second in the 25-meter assisted walk.
• Emerson Wilshire took second in the 100-meter run and third in the running long jump.
• Raven Bynum finished third in the standing long jump and fourth in the 100-meter run.
Johnson noted that CCS students participate in multiple Special Olympics events throughout the year, including a bowling competition in January.
“Special Olympics is designed to allow students to feel success in their events,” she said. “The organization works hard to create an environment of success for all students who participate.”
