Special Olympics of Missouri Southeast Area Spring Games held in Poplar Bluff

Friday, April 22, 2022

AMBER HORNBECK Staff writer

The Poplar Bluff Junior High School stadium was packed with athletes and spectators Friday morning attending the Special Olympics of Missouri (SOMO) Southeast Area Spring Games. Over 250 athletes from 16 different agencies throughout southeast Missouri participated in the games. SOMO Director of Development, Penny Williams said Friday's mild weather made a "beautiful day for the event." Athletes were given the opportunity to compete in a variety of track and field events including long jump, softball throw and running.

Special Olympics of Missouri Director of Development Penny Williams makes announcements prior to the opening of the Southeast Area Spring Games April 22 in Poplar Bluff.
Poplar Bluff High School Jr. ROTC presented the flags during the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics of Missouri Southeast Area Spring Games on April 22 in Poplar Bluff. Members shown from left are Payton McKim, Dylan Brown, Dustin Ramsey and Kirstyn Millner.
The Poplar Bluff High School Octet sang the national anthem at the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics of Missouri Southeast Area Games on April 22 in Poplar Bluff. Shown from left: Emma Harris, Ella Skillman, Bralin Duckett, Christian Redding, Brent Hanley, Dawson Vaughan, Lexi Rowland and Emma Tinsley. Official mic holder is Abby Murphy.
Jason Bell, left, a student at Poplar Bluff High School carries the Special Olympics flag during opening ceremonies of the Southeast Area Games held April 22 in Poplar Bluff. Shown bearing the Torch of Hope is Corporal Nathan Wallace with the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Maison Dennis of Poplar Bluff competes in a race during the Special Olympics of Missouri Southeast Area Spring Games held April 22 in Poplar Bluff.
An athlete is all smiles during the women's softball throw competition at the Special Olympics of Missouri Southeast Area Games held April 22 in Poplar Bluff.
Carson Busse of Poplar Bluff competes in the long jump at the Special Olympics of Missouri Southeast Area Spring Games April 22 in Poplar Bluff.
An athlete makes his stride count in the long jump competition during the Special Olympics of Missouri Southeast Area Spring Games in Poplar Bluff April 22.
Athlete Marjorie Cummins makes her way across the finish line during a race at the Special Olympics of Missouri Southeast Area Spring Games held in Poplar Bluff on April 22.
Competitor Marjorie Cummins, right, receives her first place medal from Commercial Vehicle Officer Cooper of the Missouri State Highway Patrol during the Special Olympics of Missouri Southeast Area Spring Games held April 22 in Poplar Bluff.
An athlete competes in the softball throw during the Special Olympics of Missouri Southeast Area Spring Games held April 22 in Poplar Bluff.
Runners make their way to the finish line during a race at the Special Olympics of Missouri Southeast Area Spring Games held April 22 in Poplar Bluff.
Volunteer Greg Riggs fires a pistol to start a race at the Special Olympics of Missouri Southeast Area Games held in Poplar Bluff April 22.