Photo: Beth Hagedorn giving the torch to Erin Berkley, former student to light the torch to start the games for the day Parade of athletes, presentations of the flag and national anthem sung by Susie Brincks; Susie Brincks singing the National anthem; and Special Olympics Volunteers
Fifty-eight volunteers showed up at the IKM-Manning field in Manning last Thursday to support and assist the athletes in the Special Olympics Softball Skills competition. The Manning Police Department escorted the torch, which was brought onto the field by Erin Berkley and the 56 other athletes from Denison, West Des Moines, Glenwood, Greenfield, Chariton, Manning and Sheldon. This was the second year that Manning has hosted the event, and organizer, Beth Hagedorn says, “I have always said that I wished everyone could attend just one Special Olympics event in their lifetime and this is one way to make it happen.” She adds that you can’t help but smile seeing how happy the athletes are on that day. IKM-Manning student, Coby Fineran took home a first place ribbon and will advance to the State Softball Skills Special Olympics in Ankeny on Aug. 5 with the other winners from Manning and the competition held in Muscatine.
Photos courtesy of Jean Stadtlander
