On Friday, April 24, 2026, 220 athletes competed in the 2026 Special Olympics Johnston County Spring Games for middle and high schools. Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) had a total of 22 middle and high school teams represented. There were also adult athletes from around Johnston County excited to showcase their athletic skills.
Since started in 1978 by the Keywanettes and Key Club, the games have been held at Smithfield-Selma High, and have turned into a whole school engagement opportunity, with all clubs and school groups working collaboratively. Special Olympics Johnston County offers year-round sports training and athletic competition to approximately 650 youth and adults with intellectual disabilities in the county.
Each year, athletes are eligible to compete in one track event and one field event. They had the option to choose from track events such as the 10M Wheelchair Race, the 25M Assisted Walk, and the 25M to 100M Walk and Run. Field events included Softball Throw, Tennis Ball Throw, Standing Jump, and Long Jump.
The teams were welcomed with music, creating an electric atmosphere that energized the crowd and created a dance party. Community and school volunteers, JCPS administrators, and various school groups, including Unified Pairs Youth Leaders, joined in the fun as well.
Unified Pairs Youth Leaders are students who are trained and mentored through the planning and implementation of the event by advisors, Special Olympics staff, and peers. Unified Pairs work as a team to ensure every athlete, volunteer, and family leaves with wonderful memories of the experience at the games.
"Together, as a community, we support our students, and
in turn, they shine, going for the gold and
exceeding every expectation.”
- Bethany Jones, Games Manager and Exceptional Children Specialist at Smithfield-Selma High
Next, it was time for one of the most exciting moments for everyone involved, the parade. Teams showed their school spirit by wearing matching t-shirts with their school logo, carrying handmade signs, and holding their school’s banner.
The athletes exuded excitement through big cheers and big smiles as they walked around the track. Afterwards, a few of the athletes accompanied members of local law enforcement as they carried the Special Olympics torch, marking the official start of this year’s games.
Afterwards, Brogan DeBruhr, a Special Olympics North Carolina Global Messenger and Johnston County resident, spoke to the athletes with words of encouragement and reminded them never to give up. Then, a competitor led the other athletes in reciting the Special Olympics motto: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
As the athletes went to their event location, they were focused and ready for the moment they had been waiting for so long. As the competition got underway, athletes demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship, exchanging high-fives and hugs with their peers. After each event, competitors were awarded medals in front of their families, friends, and coaches as the Olympic theme song played.
Each year, ensuring the athletes create everlasting memories requires a great deal of organization and teamwork from everyone involved in the games. “This event is a culmination of all the hard work of students with and without intellectual disabilities. Together, as a community, we support our students. In turn, they shine, going for the gold and exceeding every expectation,” said Bethany Jones, Games Manager and Exceptional Children Teacher at Smithfield-Selma High.