Finishing strong: Special Olympics event at OHS

Most of the champions could be found on the field of competition, but the real champion for Opelika resident Lou Barron is the cause that the Lee County Special Olympics represents.

“This is a day to champion their cause,” said Barron whose daughter Dorsey, 14, participated in the 100-meter dash and softball throwing events at Thursday’s Lee County Special Olympics events at Opelika High School’s Sam Mason Track. “This is an opportunity for the community to come out and acknowledge that these athletes are able to train hard and participate like other athletes.”

Barron, an Opelika native who lived in Birmingham for several years, moved back into the area about a year ago.

Barron’s parents, Walter and Mary Ann Dorsey were also present at the Lee County Special Olympics, to cheer on their granddaughter.

And there was no shortage of supporters for the more than 160 student and adult athletes participating in Thursday’s Lee County Special Olympics.

Supporters like Casi Owens, whose twin daughters Britani and Brooke, 18, competed in the 400-meter and 200-meter dashes respectively.

“It’s great to see the support from the community and those who have worked with these athletes to make this day possible,” said Casi Owens.

Britani Owens, who won the 400-meter dash, simply described her dominant win as ” pretty cool.” “Now I’ll cheer on my sister in her race.”

“There are long jump, shot putt and a 400-meter dash events,” said Alison Hall, Community Programs director for the City of Auburn and Lee County Special Olympics coordinator. “All the events you’d find at an Olympic event, you’ll find here.”

While the participants in the Special Olympics are already sure of themselves, the event is a chance to show the community what they’re capable of as well.

“The athletes not only prove to themselves that they possess a competitive drive to realize their goals but show their families as well that they can do anything they set their minds to,” said Hall.

The athletes who qualified at Thursday’s Lee County Special Olympics, will go on to compete in the Special Olympics Alabama State Games at Troy University from May 15 through May 17.