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APD Hosts Special Olympics

TALLAHASSEE, FL - The Agency for Persons with Disabilities will host a regional Special Olympic competition at the Sunland Center in Marianna on Friday, March 16. Beginning at 9:30 a.m. (CST), hundreds of competitors will be giving it their all to win an opportunity to advance to the statewide competition in May.

Approximately 250 athletes from Area 2, comprised of Jackson, Bay and Washington counties, will compete in a wide variety of athletic events such as volleyball, track and field, cycling, softball throw, and long jump.

Partners for this event include volunteers from the Marianna Federal Correctional Institution, Jackson County School System, and other volunteers from the community who will assist the Sunland Center employees. The Tri-City Beauty Queens will also assist with the event. The Marianna High School Varsity Cheerleaders will perform for the athletes following the Opening Ceremonies, and will provide arts and crafts activities and karaoke/dance events at the Olympic Village.

Participating athletes reside in local community residences, or residential facilities such as Sunland Center. The community is encouraged to come out and support these Special Olympians and celebrate their outstanding achievements.

The Agency for Persons with Disabilities currently serves more than 35,000 Floridians with the developmental disabilities of autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, Prader-Willi syndrome, and spina bifida. For more information on the agency call 1-866-APD-CARES or visit www.apd.myflorida.com.