Special needs kids have fun day

It was a very special day of special adventures for some 100 special needs students in the county’s three school systems as they participated in the annual “Special Adventures Day.”

Held at Opp’s Channell-Lee Stadium, students participated in everything from 50-and 100-yard dashes to balloon tosses and golfing games. They also got to look inside emergency response vehicle and LifeFlight, take pony rides and interact with other with animals. And then, there was food.

Straughn’s Tiger, Andalusia’s Bulldog and Opp’s Bobcat also took part.

Peer Helpers from local schools gathered to help students participating have a fun-filled day.

“We had close to 100 children,” said Covington County Special Education Coordinator Kelly McCollough. “This is our fifth year doing this. Southeast Alabama Gas District helps us every year by cooking and this year the FOP sponsored the event.”

Andalusia City Schools Special Education Coordinator and District Administrator Sonja Hines said all three systems’ special education coordinators deeply appreciated those who helped with the event.

McCollough said they have for the last few years held the event on at the Miracle League field but wanted to be able to put more activities.

Thomas Hugghins of the FOP Lodge 19 said they plan to continue to sponsor the event each year.

Their sponsorship was made possible by the annual FOP Pistol Competition.