By By Matthew Nascone
Confidence is always a good thing to have on one's side when entering any athletic competition. The seven students from Escambia County High School who participated in the Special Olympics in East Brewton last Friday had exactly that, high confidence.
"I am going to beat everybody," ECHS senior Kelby Amos said. "I am ready to have a good day."
Amos participated in the Frisbee throw and the 50-meter basketball dribble.
It is this kind of confidence that is great to see in any athlete.
ECHS assistant football coach John Williford knows that with the Special Olympics it is all about making the kids happy.
"The No. 1 reason we are doing this is to give these kids a day that is theirs to show their talents for their family and friends," Williford said. "It is a wonderful experience to be a part of something special for these kids."
The other six athletes who participated in the Special Olympics are juniors Jonathan Booth and Amy Blount, sophomore Jessica Betts and freshman Wyatt McCracken, Emily McKinley and Andre' Riley.
Amos participated in the Frisbee throw and 50-meter basketball dribble. Betts competed in the 50-meter run and the standing long jump. Blount participated in the 100-meter run and the Frisbee throw. Booth competed in the 50-meter run and the 100-meter run. McCracken participated in the softball throw and Frisbee throw. McKinley competed in the 50-meter run and the standing long jump. And Riley participated in the softball throw and the Frisbee throw.
These seven individuals are part of a group of almost 20 that Williford calls a great bunch of students. He said these students are grouped together for physical education class and they take part in P.E. with the rest of the school.
Williford said it would be a day of fun, excitement and nervousness.
"I am very excited to go with these kids and have some fun, but I am very cautious at the same time," he said. "And these kids were really excited to get something if they won. We will probably go out as a group no matter what happens."
All of the participants said they were excited to go and compete against other athletes in the Escambia County area.