y Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter, nbrockman@the-messenger.com
MORTONS GAP -- At the field-goal kicking station, some attempts sailed left or right, some hit the crossbar or fell well below, but everyone won during Hopkins County Central's Olympic Field Day on Thursday.
More than 200 students from five elementary and middle schools attended the event, which boasted 16 sports-related stations for the children to rotate back and forth.
Unlike the summer or winter games held every four years, no points or medals were awarded, but each participant received special recognition.
"They all win," co-coordinator Zach Hibbs said. "We send them certificates to their teachers. When they get back today, their teachers will write their name on a certificate and give it to them."
Hibbs and Lee Jones organized this year's event for the first time. Hibbs incorporated other teachers and even Central students to keep the children entertained and moving in an orderly manner.
Students from Earlington, Grapevine and Southside Elementaries, South and West Hopkins Middle Schools and even some from Central spent 10 minutes each at stations that included basketball drills, kickball, softball toss and many others.
Hibbs said he constructed the events based on the school's resources and used the high-school students to aid the various stations.
More than 200 students from five elementary and middle schools attended the event, which boasted 16 sports-related stations for the children to rotate back and forth.
Unlike the summer or winter games held every four years, no points or medals were awarded, but each participant received special recognition.
"They all win," co-coordinator Zach Hibbs said. "We send them certificates to their teachers. When they get back today, their teachers will write their name on a certificate and give it to them."
Hibbs and Lee Jones organized this year's event for the first time. Hibbs incorporated other teachers and even Central students to keep the children entertained and moving in an orderly manner.
Students from Earlington, Grapevine and Southside Elementaries, South and West Hopkins Middle Schools and even some from Central spent 10 minutes each at stations that included basketball drills, kickball, softball toss and many others.
Hibbs said he constructed the events based on the school's resources and used the high-school students to aid the various stations.
"I went with what I knew we had," he said. "Some of these areas are specialized. There's a football kick and a football toss. Well, not all of the students can help in that area, but the football players can."
Many participants favored the football kick like West Hopkins students Zach Massey and Zack Daugherty.
Massey said his kicking did not go so well, but that didn't prevent him from having a good time.
"Today has been awesome," he said. "Hot, but awesome. Fun, better than the other times."
West Hopkins teachers Tiffany Howard and Kim Shaw said watching the kids be successful was the most rewarding aspect of the day.
Howard answered questions between her own attempts at the kicking station and said she enjoyed seeing the high-school helpers have fun as well.
"We were just bragging on them actually," she said. "We love to see high schoolers with such a good attitude toward the smaller students. They're encouraging. It's fun."
One such helper was senior A.J. Morris, a guard on last year's Storm football team.
"I feel like it's a good thing to do to help the community," Morris said about his participation. "I feel like it's the right thing to do. We have to give back. Most of us are seniors and we have to give back to the school to show people how the school is."
Hibbs said he tried to make it clear to those students helping what the purpose of the event was supposed to be during a speech he gave Wednesday.
"(Thursday) is not your day," Hibbs told them. "As cool as you think you are, make them feel that way."
Judging from smiles and comments from students and teachers alike, the mission was accomplished.
"It's my first time and I'm really impressed with how they set it up for the kids," teacher's aid Sharon Mathias said.
Madisonville-North Hopkins will hold its version of the Special Olympics today.
Many participants favored the football kick like West Hopkins students Zach Massey and Zack Daugherty.
Massey said his kicking did not go so well, but that didn't prevent him from having a good time.
"Today has been awesome," he said. "Hot, but awesome. Fun, better than the other times."
West Hopkins teachers Tiffany Howard and Kim Shaw said watching the kids be successful was the most rewarding aspect of the day.
Howard answered questions between her own attempts at the kicking station and said she enjoyed seeing the high-school helpers have fun as well.
"We were just bragging on them actually," she said. "We love to see high schoolers with such a good attitude toward the smaller students. They're encouraging. It's fun."
One such helper was senior A.J. Morris, a guard on last year's Storm football team.
"I feel like it's a good thing to do to help the community," Morris said about his participation. "I feel like it's the right thing to do. We have to give back. Most of us are seniors and we have to give back to the school to show people how the school is."
Hibbs said he tried to make it clear to those students helping what the purpose of the event was supposed to be during a speech he gave Wednesday.
"(Thursday) is not your day," Hibbs told them. "As cool as you think you are, make them feel that way."
Judging from smiles and comments from students and teachers alike, the mission was accomplished.
"It's my first time and I'm really impressed with how they set it up for the kids," teacher's aid Sharon Mathias said.
Madisonville-North Hopkins will hold its version of the Special Olympics today.
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