Herrin High School hosts more than 180 athletes for the 2022 Special Olympics Region K Spring Games
HERRIN — The Herrin High School athletic complex was a busy place Thursday morning as the 2022 Region K Herrin Spring Games of the Special Olympics kicked off.
Opening ceremonies included a parade teams, a thank you to organizers and volunteers and recognition of sponsors in Olympic style.
Katrina Valient of Progress Port, one of the Special Olympians, sang the National Anthem.
Local police officers and athletes participated in a torch run to light the Special Olympics torch on the field. Marion officer T.J. Warren and Ashley Banks started the run, followed by Herrin Police Chief David Dorris and Ashley Jones and Trooper Tim Baker of Illinois State Police and Max Lair. Detective Salvador Thomas of Marion Police Department and Kayla Guinn finished the run and lit the torch.
During opening ceremonies, Derek Valerius of Carbondale Elks Lodge gave Special Olympics Region K a check for $1,000. He said the club helps provide support for the event.
