Special Olympics coordinator updates Rotary on summer games, local participation

Penny Hodgson, Carroll County Local Special Olympics coordinator, was the featured speaker at the Carrollton Rotary Club meeting May 12.

Hodgson spoke about her role in helping Carroll County residents qualify to participate in the Special Olympics Ohio State Summer Games, held annually at Ohio State University in Columbus. This year, 12 athletes will attend, including eight bowlers and four bocce athletes.

Sports offered through the program include basketball, bocce, bowling, cheerleading, golf, fun volleyball, fun cornhole and athletics. Cornhole and athletics are held every other year. Throughout the year, 127 active athletes in Carroll County have participated in the activities, and the number has been growing each year.

Other local events hosted by area programs include the Basketball Friendship Games in Tuscarawas County, Bowling Invitational in Belmont County, George Decker Memorial Swim Meet in Guernsey County, Bocce Invitational in Belmont County, Cheerleading Invitational in Tuscarawas County and Cornhole Fun Day in Belmont County.

The fee for each person attending the Ohio State Summer Games is $175. In addition to the 12 athletes, four coaches and six chaperones will attend. The cost covers lodging in an OSU dorm room, meals for the weekend, participation in events and other weekend activities. The total cost to the local program is $3,850, which is covered through donations and fundraisers.

The Carroll County Board of Developmental Disabilities provides transportation costs and a stipend for coaches.

Those wishing to support the program financially or through volunteer time may contact the program director at 540 High St. NW, P.O. Box 429, Carrollton, OH 44615; by phone at 330-627-6555 or 330-432-1879; or by email at phodgson@carrollcbdd.org.

Following the presentation, club members approved a $350 donation to the program to cover fees for two athletes.

Club members also were reminded of their community service project serving at Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry the following Monday evening.