Herald Sun

The Special Olympics of Durham County are held at Durham Academy every year towards the end of April.  The Special Olympics is truly an unforgettable experience for everyone present, including volunteers, buddies, the National Guard team helping out, teachers/facilities, and the athletes themselves. Public schools-elementary, middle, and high- from all over Durham County are invited to participate in the games. Complete with running races, softball throwing events, hula hoops, bouncy ball games, a bouncy castle/slide, face painting, and a dance area, Special Olympics is truly a fun-filled, positive, and uplifting day. Durham Academy students serve as buddies for the athletes, making sure they get to their events and have a good time in the unfamiliar setting.  DA students and faculty also set up and clean up the field, register athletes as they arrive, time and measure performance, give awards, do face painting, and keep the play area safe. Starting the Special Olympics off is the parade; Wool E. Bull among police officers in their motorcycles join all of the athletes and their buddies in a walk around the track. Following the lighting of the torch is the national anthem. Once the song ends,  the fun/games begin, bonds begin to form, and memories are made.