Russellville hosts Special Olympics event

Russellville hosted a Special Olympics basketball event, Feb. 22. It was the first time the school had hosted a Special Olympics event.

Tara Hudson, the Special Services teacher at Russellville High School, said when Russellville attended the local track and field event at South Callaway in the fall, they asked to do an event at Russellville.

There were three schools at the event: Mexico, Camdenton and Russellville. There were 12 total teams at the event.

"The goal was to host this event and be successful, as well as provide a local event to these athletes to hopefully encourage them to participate in other events in the future," Hudson said. "Another intention was to bring awareness to Special Olympics to get more individuals involved, including athletes, volunteers, and the community."

Participants played 3-on-3 games and there were also team skills events.

Hudson said they were able to provide a free hot dog sack lunch to all the athletes, volunteers, and coaches at the event thanks to donations by Springfield Grocer, Russellville FFA, Russellville Athletic Booster Club, Community Point Bank, the girls and boys basketball teams and various teachers.

Hudson said she believes the event was a success.

"The athletes appeared to have a great time playing basketball and the student volunteers enjoyed themselves as well," Hudson said.