Chester Co. athletes compete in special ‘Eagle Olympics’

CHESTER COUNTY, Tenn. — Chester County High School hosted the first ever special Eagle Olympics on Friday.

Athletes entered Eagle Stadium with all the traditional pomp and circumstance, and 41 special athletes from across Chester County competed.

“It’s something for them to take pride in,” Special Education Teacher Beth Whitman said. “It’s something for them to work toward.”

Athletes like Breauna Tole competed in eight events including everything from corn hole to a three-legged race.

“I’m going to do a run, a long jump and softball throw,” Tole said.

Athletes range in age from elementary all the way up to high school. “Be happy,” John Tyler Hendren, an athlete, said.

The school said the athletes usually compete in the Special Olympics in Jackson, but this year’s event got rained out. “They were heartbroken because they worked all year practicing to compete,” Chester County High School Principal Ricky Catlett said.

Determined not to let these kids down, the school decided to host its own event. “Doesn’t matter who’s first, second or third,” Catlett said. “It’s just that they compete.”

The school said these students practiced all year.

“We run,” Hendren said.

“Practice all the time,” Tole said.

Other students cheered on the athletes. “This is just the time they can shine,” Whitman said.

Each participant received a t-shirt and medal. The high school said it plans to make the Eagle Olympics an annual event.