Extraordinary Athletes-Jaycees hold Spring Olympics

Left: Leland Miles goes for a record distance during Saturday’s softball throw event at the Jaycee Spring Olympics. For more from the games.- Right, Shelly Payne breaks the tape with a winnign time in the women’s 50-yard dash.

Instead, it’s about friends, coming together for a day of fun-filled action which follows the Special Olympics creed: ‘Let me win; but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.’

Saturday morning at Nunley Stadium, the McMinnville Jaycees held their annual Spring Olympics, and a crowd of club members, supporters and spectators cheered on each special athlete as they took part in the yearly tradition.

While awards for first- through third-place in the broad jump, softball throw and 50-yard dash were up for grabs in different age divisions ‘ and displayed proudly as every athlete who competed climbed the Olympic-style podium at least once during the closing ceremony ‘ the friendly, mutually supportive spirit among the competitors was contagious, spilling over into the crowd who cheered each participant’s bravery, as much as the results, of their attempts.

Participants in this year’s games were: Gail Goff, Ida McCurdy, Shelly Payne, Annette Bryant, Jacob Wanamaker, Jamie Whitworth, Trent Summers, John Stovall, Donnie Everlith, Barron Garrett, Stanley Maxwell, James Dillard, Richard Rogers, Jeremy DeArmond, Leland Miles and ‘Buster’ Williams.

Helping to sponsor the Spring Olympics were: Good Earth Tree Co., TT&G Construction, A-Frame Propagation Nursery, Donald Hillis Realty & Auction, Kingwood Foodland, Gary & Gail’s Pit Stop, Dr Pepper, Riverside Customs, Tim’s Motors, General Equipment Co., Free Bird Bail Bonds, Jimmy’s Auto Sales & Service, Telesonix Sound, Horizon Express and Calisha Woodlee Full-Service Stylist.

For information how you can support the Spring Olympics, or any other Jaycee charity project throughout the year, contact president Traye Cope or any club member.