HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – LuAnn Diuguid has been the Coordinator of the Christian County Special Olympics for 25 years. On Tuesday, she shared with the Hopkinsville Rotary Club that the organization offers activities and a sense of family for those living with special needs in the area all year long.
Diuguid was joined by five members of the organization who shared their love for their community, and how they are competing in year-round sports like basketball, softball, bowling, and track and field.
“You can be eight years old or 80 to be on Special Olympics,” Diuguid said. “Some of our athletes do everything and some of them do bowling, it depends on whatever they want to do.”
The weekend of March 9, Special Olympics is travelling to Louisville to compete in the state tournament. On March 7 the organization will start their track and field practices.
Outside of competing in sports together, the 50 members of the Special Olympics are a close, tight knit community. “We are each other’s closest friends,” Diuguid explained. “When we have birthday parties or celebrations this is who we invite.”
One member shared how he likes to hang out with his friends at Special Olympics. Another shared his favorite part about it was basketball.
In the past, the organization has worried about funds, but thanks to generous donations from around the community Diuguid shares they are running smoothly. The donations are used to buy uniforms, transport athletes to tournaments, food, and pay for overnight stays.
To learn more information or to volunteer, go to Christian County Special Olympics Facebook.
SHARE YOUR NEWS: Email your news releases to news@christiancountynow.com.