PHOTOS: Students compete in Richmond County Special Olympics

ROCKINGHAM — More than 100 Special needs students from across the district descended upon Raider Stadium Thursday for the Special Olympics.

The 103 students were each paired with a student from Richmond Senior High School as they tested their abilities in three events: ball toss; standing long jump; and the run/walk/wheelchair race on the track.

The students hailed from: Richmond Senior; Ninth Grade Academy; the middle schools in Cordova, Hamlet and Rockingham; and East Rockingham, Fairview Heights, Washington Street and Monroe Avenue elementaries.

There was also a division for adult athletes.

Helping out were students from the Richmond Senior and Richmond Early College High School Beta Clubs and the Raider Diamonds.

Deputy Gary Carter with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office — flanked by Deputy Tony Little on one side, and Maj. Richard Greene, Capt. Hunter Thomas and Chief George Gillenwater of the Rockingham Police Department on the other — led the opening ceremony walk carrying the torch, followed by the Raider Battalion color guard and the Special Olympics athletes and volunteers.

When they weren’t competing in the official events, the students had the opportunity to play kickball and bowl.

“I think we had a great day,” said Coordinator Stephanie Upton. “I saw a lot of happy faces showing off their bling. The sun wasn’t the only thing shining today.

“We are grateful to everyone that comes out to make this day a success and share in our athletes’ joy!”

The games had been scheduled for Tuesday, May 14, but were postponed because of rain.

The Special Olympics resumed in 2023, following a three-year hiatus.