Colquitt Co. Special Olympics athletes seeking financial assistance to attend Special Olympics World Games competition in Italy
MOULTRIE, Ga. – Not many athletes can say they were Olympians, but Colquitt county has two.
And, they need your help, to not only get to the big stage but to continue their journey for years to come.
We met up with both athletes and the coach of this dynamic duo.
“A lot of our guys know they don’t get the opportunities that other people do and just to showcase how talented they are, it means a lot,” said Mitchell McKinney, Special Olympics Coach.
And, when Coach McKinney says “they” he is talking about Colquitt county’s very own Special Olympic skiing stars, Jayda Hughes and Jerimiah Spence, for them skiing isn’t just a sport, it’s an escape.
“It’s thrilling, it’s very fun, it’s like you get a rush of adrenaline, but a good adrenaline,” said Jayda Hughes, Alpine Skiing Olympian.
But, that adrenaline rush comes at a cost, especially when it comes to equipment and travel.
“That cost ended up being close to ten grand, by the time we fed everybody and paid for the skiing, the equipment rentals in all, so it gets pretty expensive,” said Coach McKinney.
Fortunately, the Colquitt county community has stepped up to support these athletes.
“It’s a phenomenal community here in Moultrie, and United Way is a big supporter and there’s so many non-profits that come together to help each other out,” said Coach McKinney.
But, as the battle to secure funds continues, Jayda and Jerimiah are excited and staying focused on the journey ahead. Knowing they have Coach McKinney and the Colquitt county community behind them.
“I’m just glad that he’s going with me and the girl Jayda Hughes going with me too, so we’ll all be together, have a great time there that’s it,” said Jerimiah Spence, Alpine Skiing Olympian.
The link to donate to Colquitt county’s Special Olympics program for exceptional children is here .
Cameron Sanders reporting.
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