Special Olympics athletes star in exhibition volleyball game

Last month the residents of Morgan County gathered in the gym at Morgan High School for a very special night. Each year, Liz Wiscombe and the other volleyball coaches organize a volleyball exhibition game with their team. They invite our Morgan Stars Special Olympic athletes and friends to participate and star in the game. The coaches and team members hold practices prior to the game to work with the athletes on the different volleyball skills they will need to use. 

The game was held on March 22 and the night started with a prayer by Allen Shaw. Following the invocation, the national anthem was sung by Jenni Smith and Chiara Johnson. Then they announced each athlete and had them run through a “tunnel” formed by the volleyball team and the cheerleaders. “We are truly blessed to have a wonderful community that includes and celebrates our Special needs friends,” said Angie Spens. “I am grateful that I get to interact with them and get to know each of their special spirits.” 

The whole community was welcome to come and support the athletes by attending the game. In addition to the cheering on of the audience, the Morgan High Cheer team also made an appearance that night, cheering alongside the athletes and motivating them during the event. 

The volleyball team worked alongside the athletes, guiding them through the drills so that they show their skills in hitting, serving, and passing. After they displayed their individual skills, the athletes took turns playing unified volleyball against each other. 

This is one of the favorite events that the Special Olympic athletes get to participate in each year and they look forward to it every year. “Our Morgan community is the best!” commented Coleen Russell, “We are truly thankful for the support and for the donations. There’s no place like Morgan; you truly make our awesome athletes feel like Stars.” λ