Pat Harrell, of the Decatur County Special Olympics Committee, talked about how the events it sponsors annually have grown, during a Wednesday address to the Bainbridge Lions Club.

“Two years ago Jim Beck, a member of this Lions Club, called and told me that a local chapter of Georgia Special Olympics was being formed and asked me if I would get involved,” she said.

“I have worked with special-education students, and I knew that Jim and Bainbridge First Baptist Church pastor, the Rev. Paul Medley, had done a great job with Special Olympics locally.

“We have Special Olympics track and field for our school-age Special Olympians at the Bainbridge High School track, bowling for our adult Special Olympians at the Bainbridge-Decatur County YMCA Langston-Gray Bowling Center, and a prom for adult Special Olympians.”

She showed slides of Special Olympians proudly holding ribbons following their track-and-field competition.

“There are always a lot of smiles on the faces of participants and volunteers at Special Olympic events,” Harrell said. “They are just a lot of fun for everyone involved.”