Special Olympics brightens lives, warms hearts

Wesley Branch/The Clayton Tribune. Adrian Appleby (center) dances on the stage with buddy and Rabun County High School student Bella Hulsey after receiving a medal at the Rabun County Special Olympics on April 2 at Frank Snyder Memorial Stadium. Also on the stage receiving medals as photographed above are athletes Truett Beck (right) and Jonathan Chapman (left) with buddies Katelynn Duncan and Chloe Shirley.

Wesley Branch/The Clayton Tribune. Other Rabun County School System students were in attendance on April 2 for the Rabun County Special Olympics. In the picture above, students can be seen smiling and cheering during the event’s opening ceremony.

Wesley Branch/The Clayton Tribune. Adult athlete Stephen Green looks to knock down the bowling pins at the Rabun County Special Olympics on April 2 at Frank Snyder Memorial Stadium. If you look closely, you can see Green’s University of Georgia themed shoes, which he excitedly showed-off during the day.

Wesley Branch/The Clayton Tribune. Rabun County Primary School athlete Gael Esteban poses with a sign that was made for him during the Rabun County Special Olympics on April 2 at Frank Snyder Memorial Stadium.

Wesley Branch/The Clayton Tribune. RCHS athlete Ayla Albrecht receives a high-five after hauling in a catch from a volunteer at the football station during the Rabun County Special Olympics on April 2.

Wesley Branch/The Clayton Tribune. Rabun County Primary School athlete Adrian Appleby cheers and dances with his buddy and Rabun County High School student Ella Weber after competing in the track event at the Rabun County Special Olympics on April 2. Appleby’s dance moves were on display multiple times throughout the afternoon.