April 26, 2012 - The Cherokee One Feather

4 THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012 cherokee one feather/na tsalagi soquo ugidahliGoing for the goldQualla Boundaryteam participatesin Special OlympicsSpring GamesBy SCOTT MCKIE B.P.ONE FEATHER STAFFFRANKLIN - The Qualla Boundarypecial Olympics team participated inhe Spring Games at Macon Middlechool in Franklin on Friday, April 20.total of 23 athletes and 30 volunteersade the trip from Cherokee alongith family, friends and supporters.“We are excited to have our biggestroup of athletes here today representngQualla Boundary,” said Lana Lamert,Qualla Boundary Speciallympics coordinator. “They’ve beenorking hard on their events and areoing to do a great job and make everyodyproud.”Lambert said the Qualla Boundaryeam was aided at the event by voluneersfrom the Wellspring Academy ofhe Carolinas in Brevard.The event began with a Parade ofthletes which was led by the CheroeeCounty program and was followedy Macon County, Graham County, Clayounty, Cherokee County and Quallaoundary.“I appreciate you so much andhat you do and what you stand for,”aid Macon County Commissionerevin Corbin who served as emcee forhe event. “I am privileged to haveeen asked to be a part of this today.”Jennifer Garrett, who served as cordinatorfor the event, said, “I’m gladou all could make it and I’m glad theeather held out for us.” She said theames will be held at the Maconounty site for the next two years.Garrett thanked her staff andacon County volunteers for helpingake the games possible.Macon County Commissioner RonieBeale led the group in an openingrayer. Following his prayer, heraised the volunteers at Friday’svent. “Remember this, professionalsuilt the Titanic. Volunteers built therk.”Boy Scout Troop 235 presented theolors and led the crowd in the Pledgef Allegiance. They were followed by aroup called Singing Angels who ledhe National Anthem.LeAnne Webb, of the Maconounty program, led the athletes in theSCOTT MCKIE B.P./One Feather photosJacee Smith exudes her enthusiasm as she holds the Qualla Boundary sign during the Parade of Athletes at the Special OlympicsSpring Games at Macon Middle School on Friday, April 20.Mia Faye Lambert competes in the tennis ball throw.Special Olympics Oath, “Let me win.But, if I cannot win, let me be brave inthe attempt.”The Special Olympics torch wascarried into the stadium by membersof Macon County law enforcement.Macon County Sheriff Robbie Hollandcarried the torch on its last leg andhelped light the lame.Destyni Johnson stands atop the medalstand aer winning the gold medal in theGirls 8-11 soball throw.