I wish everyone could experience going on one of the ski trips . To see the level of excitement and joy , even when they don ’ t win . It ’ s just about being there and getting to compete .”
— Mitchell McKinney with the Colquitt County Program for Exceptional Children
many things to list , but one of the major ones is providing all of our transportation .”
Because of everything given back , it gives those like Spence and Hughes the opportunity to have these once in a lifetime experiences ; however , the cost of this particular trip to the World Games in Italy is going to require additional fundraising .
“ We might have to purchase the rest of the ski equipment before they go ,” said McKinney . “ Some things are still up in the air , and that is one of the questions we are still working out because , minus the helmets , we always rent everything .”
“ A portion of their trip will be paid for through the Special Olympics program in Georgia but not all of it ,” said Jones . “ It will require fundraising in order for them to attend the Winter Games .”
Proceeds from a concession stand at the Colquitt County Spring Games on March 29 are going directly toward sending Spence and Hughes to the world games .
“ I wish everyone could experience going on one of the ski trips ,” said McKinney . “ To see the level of excitement and joy , even when they don ’ t win . It ’ s just about being there and getting to compete .”
Both Spence and Hughes have gone on a plethora of ski trips .
“ I just think it ’ s a lot of fun ,” said Spence .
“ I love the cold and the snow ,” said Hughes .
“ When we go on the ski trips we do more than just ski ,” said Jones . “ We want those in the program to be able to experience things they can ’ t on a normal day .”
During each trip there is at least one planned excursion , like visiting the zoo or aquarium or attending a Braves game .
“ The candy store and the Benihana restaurant are always the two favorite stops ,” said Jones . “ Several of them have never really stayed in a hotel or been out to a restaurant . It ’ s nice to be able to offer them those experiences that a lot of us take for granted .”
“ There is always at least one time during every trip where I look around and just think , ‘ This is what it ’ s all about ,’” said McKinney . “ They ’ re having fun and just being their silly , fun selves and enjoying life . That ’ s what it ’ s all about .”
The memories created are lifelong .
“ For them , they don ’ t think ‘ Oh , I went to Atlanta and placed and won . That was cool ,’” said McKinney . “ They come back so proud and want to wear that medal the next Monday at school and show it off . They are always so proud .”
> Donations welcome !
The Program for Exceptional Children is working to fund Jeremiah Spence and Jayda Hughes ’ Special Olympics journey . If you would like to assist , please contact :
Mitchell McKinney : ( 229 ) 589-0174 james . mckinney @ colquitt . k12 . ga . us OR PJ Jones : ( 229 ) 891-4689 pj . jones @ colquitt . k12 . ga . us OR Drop by the PEC office , 710 Lane St . in Moultrie , next to the Colquitt County Board of Education , 8 a . m . -4 p . m . Monday-Friday .
20 MoultrieScene MAY 2024