Marion County Special Olympics returns to East-West Stadium for annual EKS Day

FAIRMONT, W.Va. (WBOY) — It was a beautiful day for some healthy competition on Thursday as the Marion County Special Olympics hosted its annual EKS Day at East-West Stadium featuring athletes from across the county.

Marion County Special Olympics and Marion County Schools joined forces to host the EKS Day—named after Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver—at East-West Stadium as a preview of the West Virginia Special Olympics summer games, and as a great way for the community to come out and support one another.

This year, every school in Marion County came out with athletes and buddies in support of them.

North Marion High School raised the most money for the event this year, totaling out to more than $1,300. Its feeder school White Hall Elementary came in second with $1,028. The funds raised will go toward the continuation of the Marion County Special Olympics.

Activities for the athletes included track and field, corn hole, volleyball, golf and bocce ball. Preschool and wheelchair games were featured at the event as well.

“What I like about the unified programs when we get them started and going is the typical kids discover, ‘hey these kids are just like us, they love to win, and they need our support,'” Marion County Special Olympics Director Cari Shepard said.

Although the Marion County Special Olympics is open to ages eight and up, Shephard mentioned that the program was hoping to expand the program for ages two through seven though it needs more athletes and volunteers in order to do so.

“Come out and support us, we’re always looking for more volunteers and we’re always looking for more athletes,” said Shepard.

The state’s Special Olympics summer games will be held the first weekend in June in Charleston. You can find more on the Marion County Special Olympics through its website .

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