CIRCLEVILLE, OH – The Circleville Special Olympics was excited to announce a new fundraising initiative aimed at supporting their athletes and enhancing community involvement. The Special Olympics, which relies entirely on donations and community support, is introducing a unique event designed to raise funds and engage the local community in an unprecedented way.
The Pieing for a Purpose event’s conception came from a brainstorming session led by Tonya Carpenter, a dedicated volunteer, who proposed a novel fundraising idea. Carpenter reached out to the local sheriff, who enthusiastically supported the idea, leading to a rapid and successful organization of the event. Within a week, the event’s logistics were set, including a lineup of key local civic volunteers who were eager to assist by getting a pie in the face. Those people ranged from all across the County Judge Harsha, Commissioner Gary Scherer, Clerk of Courts Grant Davis, Pickaway Sheriff Matthew Hafey, Circleville Mayor Blanton, OSP Lt Shad Caplinger, and more. The event piggybacked off the First Friday event in Uptown Circleville which also offered a car show in Downtown Circleville.
The Pickaway County Special Olympics serves approximately 72 to 75 athletes from Pickaway County, ranging in age from 8 to 64. The organization offers a variety of sports including basketball, softball, track and field, golf, powerlifting, and esports. They also have unified teams where Special Olympics athletes compete alongside community partners.
Upcoming events for the Special Olympics include regional softball competitions in Hilliard on August 17 and a final away competition in Oregon, Ohio, during the first weekend of September. Despite a busy schedule, which includes weekly practices and frequent travel, the organization continues to make significant strides in promoting inclusivity and athletic excellence.
Facility Needs and Community Support
One ongoing challenge for the Pickaway County Special Olympics is securing a permanent facility for consistent practice. Currently, the athletes practice at various locations across the county, including Logan and the local gyms, due to the lack of a dedicated space. This inconsistency has sometimes led to interruptions in practice schedules, affecting the athletes’ preparation.
The Special Olympics team is actively seeking support from the community and local officials to establish a permanent facility. They recently discussed this need with the mayor and are hopeful for a positive outcome.
Volunteer Efforts and Community Impact
The team behind the Pickaway County Special Olympics, including key figures like Melissa Woodgeard and Tonya Carpenter, are deeply committed to increasing the visibility and support for athletes with disabilities. Their efforts include organizing events such as art nights and participation in the Pumpkin Show, where they plan to showcase their athletes on multiple trailers this year due to high turnout.
The team also emphasizes the importance of community engagement, noting that many people are unaware of the Special Olympics’ existence. “I don’t think people know we even exist, while they pack the stands for other athletes they don’t see what these athletes are doing and they are working hard, I wish that was different. These athletes are full of hard work and dedication also, they also should be celebrated.”
The orginazation is working to raise awareness and support, drawing parallels with the enthusiastic backing typically given to mainstream sports.
Key individuals involved in the Special Olympics’ initiatives include Tonya, Melissa, Coach Dustin, and Brian. Jeremy Joyce, the coordinator at the Department of Disabilities, has also been instrumental in supporting and facilitating their events. The team’s dedication and passion for inclusivity and community involvement are evident in their ongoing efforts and the positive impact they are making.
The Pickaway County Special Olympics continues to strive for greater community recognition and support, highlighting the remarkable achievements of their athletes and the importance of inclusivity in all areas of public life. For more information and to get involved, the community is encouraged to follow their updates on their Facebook page or reach out directly to the Special Olympics team.
In the end the organization earned thousands of dollars that will go directly to help these unique hard-working athletes, if you are interested in donating to the cause contact them directly on their social media page.
