“Together We Can Triumph” was the theme for Habersham County’s 2026 Special Olympics, and with more than 200 athletes, volunteers, and fans packed into Raider Stadium, the excitement was undeniable.
In its 54th year, the event continues to grow under the leadership of local coordinator Ashley Webb and her team of dedicated volunteers.
“We have over 200 Olympians this year,” Webb said. “We’ve gotten more and more students and community groups that have wanted to help, so we’ve been able to add more activities. This year, what’s new is our quiet area. We now were able to add the quiet zone, building blocks, Play-Doh, and stepping stones. We also had Crown Athletics join us — they are running an athletic zone for agility and strength. They actually work with a lot of our Olympians in their gym, so they came out to join forces with us today.”
Crown Athletics, a sports performance gym in Habersham, was a welcome addition to the day. The team set up an agility and strength station for Special Olympians, many of whom already train at their gym.
“We wanted to give back to the community,” said Andy Klein of Crown Athletics. “We want to make sure that everybody knows what we do is for the kids first. Everybody’s involvement today makes a whole different group of kids feel special. They deserve the right to feel the same exact way as anybody else who plays football or baseball. That is something we can come and celebrate them for as well.”
Student volunteers
The relationships forged through Special Olympics extend far beyond the event itself. Senior and fourth-year volunteer Judge Wilbanks looked forward to cheering on athlete Matthew Holden. “I love to help kids like Matthew have a great day,” Wilbanks said. “I come to all of his events and he comes to all my basketball games.”
Grinning from ear to ear, Holden waited for his events beside his buddy Wilbanks. “I like it. It’s fun. I’m having fun with everybody,” Holden said. He competed in the 400-meter dash, standing long jump, and softball throw — and had plenty to celebrate beyond the track. Holden was crowned the 2026 Special Olympics Homecoming King, with Fatima Guzman named Homecoming Queen.
For many student volunteers, being part of the day is its own reward. “I think it’s just amazing that everyone can come together and honor these students,” said Sidney Patterson, a sophomore volunteer. “We’re all special people, and just seeing them run and do fun things with each other is so sweet to see.”
“It’s a great event to highlight what our kids can do. They want to be accepted and loved, just like everybody else.” – Ruby Dooley
Graduating senior and baseball player Maverick Chitwood saw the day as an opportunity to give back to a community that has supported him. “I mean, it’s just awesome to give back to the people that have helped me out throughout my career,” Chitwood said. “So I’m just here giving back to them.”
Student volunteers were not only present as buddies and activity guides — many also worked behind the scenes to shape the event. Senior Rainlan Hobson, co-chair of public relations, and sophomore Meagan Eash, a member of the management committee, were among those driving this year’s vision.
“We want to make sure that everyone is having a good time and that we can accommodate everyone,” Eash said. “Ms. Webb did an amazing job making sure that everything was structured and organized.”
Quiet Town
One of the team’s priorities was ensuring athletes had something meaningful to do between events. “Last year, when they would finish their events, everyone was sitting down and getting bored, and that’s something we don’t want to happen,” Hobson said. “That’s why we created Quiet Town — we want everyone to come and participate.”
“We wanted somewhere they could sit down, relax, and still have activities to do,” Eash added.
Given the heat, the crowd, and the packed schedule, Quiet Town proved to be a thoughtful addition. “It gives athletes a place to go if they need to step away from everything and calm down,” Hobson said.
‘We all win’
Stephanie Lewis, a self-contained special education teacher at the high school, summed up the spirit of the day simply. “This is the best day of the year because all the kids get to come,” Lewis said. “It doesn’t matter your ability level. We all get to participate. We all have fun. We all win. We just enjoy spending time together.”
That togetherness was felt in the stands as well. Ruby Dooley has cheered on her son, athlete Nathan Dooley, at the Special Olympics since 2010.
“He really does look forward to this,” she said. “I love that they get other students involved and that there’s a lot of community represented here. I think it teaches kids to accept people and situations that may look different than what they’re used to. It’s a great event to highlight what our kids can do. They want to be accepted and loved, just like everybody else.”
Fairview Elementary School principal Michelle Wilbanks made the trip to show her support as well. “I am here to support all of our Fairview Special Olympians, as well as the Special Olympics around the county,” Wilbanks said. “I just appreciate that this is something we do every year for our students.”
From the opening ceremony to the final awards, the athletes, students, faculty, and fans of Habersham County were triumphant — together.
