Athletes from Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) elementary campuses competed in the 2026 Special Olympics Johnston County Spring Games on April 16-17, 2026.
Special Olympics Johnston County offers year-round sports training and athletic competition to approximately 650 youth and adults with intellectual disabilities in the county.
Over the course of the two-day event, the athletes showcased incredible athleticism and drive during the games at Smithfield-Selma High, which has hosted the games since 1978 in partnership with the school’s Key Club.
Each year, the athletes are eligible to compete in one track event, choosing from the 10 Meter Assisted Walk, Wheelchair Race, and 25, 50, and 100 Meter Walk and Run, among others.
They are also eligible to participate in one field event, selecting from Softball Throw, Tennis Ball Throw, Running Jump, and more.
As teams arrived, they were treated to some game-day hype songs, and once all were present, the athletes were energized with words of encouragement and inspiration from a few speakers.
One of them was Brogan DeBruhr, a Special Olympics North Carolina Global Messenger and Johnston County resident. “There is nothing that I look forward to more than speaking to all of you each year about Special Olympics,” DeBruhr said.
“Now, go run crazy fast, jump super high, and have an amazing day.”
Then, teams paraded around the track to the cheers of the families and friends gathered in the stands.
The athletes and coaches showcased their schools by carrying banners and signs and bringing lots of excitement to the day they had trained for all year.
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.
-Special Olympics motto
After the parade, members of local law enforcement carried a symbolic torch accompanied by a few athletes and their coaches.
Before the games began, there was just one thing left to be done, and that was to recite the Special Olympics motto: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
As the athletes went to compete, the excitement could be felt from one end of the track to the other. They could not wait to test and highlight the skills they had been working on perfecting for so long.
Winners from each event received medals while family, friends, and coaches cheered with pride.
One thing was clear: the athletes were not only focused on themselves but also gave cheers and high-fives to their competitors and teammates, showing the utmost respect and sportsmanship.
Some of the athletes were overheard saying, “That was awesome,” and “This is the best”.
Ensuring the athletes create those everlasting memories requires a great deal of organization and teamwork from everyone involved in the games. In addition to the administrators, coaches, and community volunteers, the Unified Pairs Youth Leaders were also part of the event.
These students are trained and mentored through the planning and implementation of the event by advisors, Special Olympics staff, and peers. Unified Pairs have been working together to create a smooth, safe, and fun experience for athletes, volunteers, and families.
“There is magic in the community coming together,” said Bethany Jones, Games Manager and Exceptional Children Specialist at Smithfield-Selma High.
“We can all share in the joy as Special Olympics athletes remind us that courage, perseverance, and heart are what truly make champions,” she added.