Athletes threw softballs for distance, raced on the track and competed in the long jump at the annual Special Olympics event held at Mounument Mountain on Wednesday.
Berkshire County law enforcement officers lead the annual parade of banners during Wednesday's opening ceremony.
Some athletes got a helping hand from their coaches as they competed at the Berkshire County Special Olympics.
The games were dedicated to longtime volunteer Nancy Forget.
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — For the principal of W.E.B. Du Bois Regional Middle School, the Berkshire County Special Olympics held each spring at neighboring Monument Mountain Regional High School complement his school's mission.
"What I really love about the Special Olympics is what I also love about W.E.B. Du Bois, the namesake of our middle school," Ben Doren said during Wednesday morning's opening ceremonies.
"W.E.B. Du Bois saw a vision, over a hundred years ago, of people together, working hard, struggling through adversity but also struggling to build a better community for the future."
Echoing the Special Olympics athlete oath, "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt," both Doren and Monument Mountain Principal Kristina Farina praised the athletes and their supporters for the brave work of building a more inclusive world.
And, as a bonus, they got to have some fun doing it.
Smiles and hugs were plentiful on Wednesday as hundreds of athletes from across the county ran, threw and jumped for personal bests, for medals and for the satisfaction of putting themselves to the test.
As in any competition, some athletes ended up at the top of the podium. But all were champions.
Before delivering the high school's land acknowledgement, Farina thanked the athletes, families and volunteers for gracing the South County campus.
"Today, we come together to break down barriers and fight against stigmas," Farina said. "As Muhammed Ali once said, 'Champions are made from something deep inside them: A desire, a dream, a vision.'
"So, today, I hope that all our athletes inspire us to this vision, and that they aspire to that ideal."
Following the traditional parade of athletes, the opening ceremony included the presentation of several awards to athletes and supporters.
George Wallace received the Keith C. White Memorial Award, "For striving to achieve goals in life, working to overcome obstacles and aiming to become the best that he can be."
Nya Chaffee took home the Daniel Holian Memorial Award, "For your unwavering perseverance, determination and good attitude, demonstrated here at the Special Olympics as well as each and every day."
Keri Wade was given the Ellen C. and Sheilah M. Graham Memorial Award, "For her unwavering commitment, strength, kindness, compassion and dedication to service in the area of special needs and challenges."
The games, which were postponed due to rain from their scheduled date on May 3, were dedicated to Nancy Forget, a special educator for 30 years who continues to volunteer at the games.
"It is without a doubt she has made a lasting impact doing something she finds so much joy in: supporting others to be the best they can be," read the plaque recognizing the Forget.
After the awards were given out, it was time to get back to the serious business of fun.
"This is a celebration," Doren said. "We get to celebrate some of our most amazing students and most amazing athletes. It's great to see them here. It's great to see them compete and share the values that are so important.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
South County Towns to Share Housing Rehabilitation Grant
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Healey-Driscoll administration has awarded $1.375 million to fund housing rehabilitation projects for income-eligible residents of Great Barrington, Egremont and Stockbridge.
The funds provide a 0 percent interest, deferred payment loan of up to $50,000, which is forgivable if the homeowner remains in the residence for at least 15 years. Applications will be made available before the end of this calendar year.
Funds cover building code repairs, weatherization, lead paint abatement, handicap accessibility and emergency funds for leaking roofs, failed furnaces and septic systems.
The funds come from a Community Development Block Grant, which will fund home improvements for up to 16 low-and moderate-income households.
"We are grateful to the Healey administration for its support of homeowners in our community," said Town Manager Mark Pruhenski. "As we work to support affordable rental housing in Great Barrington it's also essential to support homeowners who need financial support in making sure their homes are safe, healthy and energy efficient."
The town will open the application process within a few months, and will prioritize grants for correcting health and safety violations. Applications will be considered on a first come, first served basis.
Program details:
The Regional Housing Rehab Program is a grant-funded program that provides eligible households with a 0% interest deferred payment forgivable loan of up to $50,000.
Residents are accepted on a first-come/first-served basis and must be income eligible.
The maximum eligible income for a two-person household is $70,110; $87,600 for a four person household.
There is no cost to the town of Great Barrington.
Residents repay a portion of the loan only if they sell their home within 15 years.
A professional Program Manager and Rehab Specialist work with the homeowners on their approved project.
Sponsored by the West Stockbridge Cultural Council, the festival has drawn thousands to the town's center over the years and is a testament to its tight-knit community. click for more
Artist Cheyenne Renee is working to paint a mural in a small town in all 50 states. As part of the project, there will also be a documentary that will incorporate interviews and footage from each town.
click for more
Blake said Williams was the perfect person to have as the first speaker for the series because you cannot talk about democracy without talking about Georgia.
click for more