BAINBRIDGE LIONS CLUB first vice president Brenda Howell presents a certificate of appreciation to Pat Harrell, who talked to the Club about Decatur County Special Olympics.

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.”