Dalton’s Tyler Gazaway has participated in the Special Olympics for 30 years, competing at the local, state and national level.
“I love to go to the state games because I get to meet people from all over the state,” he said Wednesday. “I’m excited that the state games will be coming to Dalton.”
Officials from Special Olympics Georgia and the city of Dalton announced Wednesday that Dalton will host the 2011 state games Nov. 4-6 and also the 2012 and 2013 games.
“This is the first time we’ve come to Dalton, but we have had our eyes on Dalton for several years, and we are very excited to be coming here,” said Georgia Milton-Sheats, CEO of Special Olympics Georgia.
She credited the Dalton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Dalton Parks and Recreation Department for their efforts to bring the games to Dalton.
The games are expected to bring 1,500 athletes with intellectual disabilities from age 8 and up. They will compete in sports such as bocce ball, golf, softball, running and bicycling.
Lisa Hughey, therapeutics recreation supervisor and Special Olympics local coordinator for the Dalton Parks and Recreation Department, said most of the events will be held at Heritage Point Park but some will be held at other facilities such as the Nob North Golf Course.
“We are trying to work with Dalton Middle School. We hope to use their cafeteria facilities as a place where the athletes can eat,” she said.
Kerri Baldwin, senior development manager for Special Olympics Georgia, said the group is looking for sponsors to help defray the costs of the games as well as volunteers to help run them. Businesses interested in sponsoring the games and individuals who wish to volunteer can call her at (770) 414-9390, extension 121.
Mayor David Pennington welcomed the news.
“I’ve been involved with two or three local (Special Olympics) since I’ve been mayor, and it’s really exciting to watch a young person compete in any type of athletic contest, but to watch these special young people in their competition and see the enjoyment and excitement, you can’t help but have the same joy and excitement,” he said.
Officials estimate the event will have a direct economic impact on the city of $900,000 and an overall impact of more than $1.5 million.
“We are bringing 1,500 athletes and their families. They will be staying in your hotels, eating in your restaurants, shopping in your stores and getting to see Dalton,” said Milton-Sheats.
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