The Pilot Club of Quitman, with help from the Anchor Club and over 90 volunteers, hosted a state-sanctioned Special Olympics meet at the Quitman High School track field on Friday, March 20.

Over 150 athletes competed, ranging in age from 8 to 60. The teams represented included Gilmer ISD, Gladewater ISD and school districts in Upshur County and Wood County. Also attending were community-based East Texas delegations like Cedar Creek and Upshur Legends.  

Special Olympics is an international organization that promotes understanding, acceptance and inclusion between people with and without intellectual disabilities.  Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics has an ultimate goal of helping persons with intellectual disabilities participate as productive and respected members of society at large. This is done by offering them a fair opportunity to develop and demonstrate their skills and talents through sports training and competition and by increasing the public’s awareness of their capabilities and needs.

Led by the Quitman ISD marching band and cheerleaders, the 2026 Special Olympics athletes joyfully paraded around the field during the opening ceremony, with volunteers and onlookers cheering them on. Individual and team Olympic-style track and field events followed, with winners earning medals and ribbons. Qualifying athletes will be able to compete in the next-level event. In addition to the competition, hamburgers and hot dogs were grilled onsite and served to all. Athletes also received a souvenir canvas bag. 

Quitman Pilot Club Co-Chair Susan Ukleja said about the event, “In addition to funds, another critical component of a successful event boils down to the many willing volunteers who help set up everything, as well as cook and oversee and record the results of the competition. The athletes look forward to this day every year and so do the volunteers. I think the volunteers have as much fun as the athletes, judging from their smiles.”