A Day to Shine: Greene Central Hosts Special Olympics, Celebrating Joy, Inclusion and Community
SNOW HILL — On a sun-splashed Tuesday morning at Greene Central High School, it wasn’t about the finish line, medals or rankings — it was about something far greater: the athletes.
The annual Greene County Special Olympics returned with emotional highs, contagious smiles and a community that wrapped itself around every participant in celebration. From students and educators to volunteers and businesses, the event served as a powerful reminder of what inclusion and love in action looks like.
“This day is all about them,” said longtime event coordinator Holly Aycock, who has been involved with Special Olympics for nearly three decades. “They deserve a day to come out here, shine, show their skills and be the stars — and that’s exactly what they are.”
The event, originally scheduled for Friday, had to be pushed due to rain. Despite the rescheduling, the spirit remained electric as volunteers from across the county showed up in full force to help make the day run smoothly.
“We couldn’t do it without the community,” Aycock added. “This year we were able to get new walkie-talkies, flags, and even repaint our board stands. Every bit of that comes from donations — whether it’s from a business or a person, we just can’t do this without them.”
For Mike Anderson, who serves as co-chair alongside Aycock, the emotion of the day is unmatched.
“I’ve had some big events in my life,” Anderson said, “but this ranks at the top. Seeing these kids smile — it makes everything worthwhile.”
Anderson noted that planning for the event begins almost immediately after the current one ends, underscoring the year-round commitment of the team. “It takes a village,” he said. “We’ll start working again in two weeks to get ready for next year.”
While competition was part of the day, it was never the focus. “They win whether they finish first or fifth — it doesn’t matter,” Aycock said. “Their smiles say it all.”
That same message was echoed in Anderson’s favorite motto — a timeless mantra of Special Olympics: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
“Young athletes these days feel so much pressure to succeed,” he added. “But these kids? They’re doing the best they can, and that’s more than enough.”
The event featured athletes from across Greene County Schools, including volunteers from both high school and middle school levels. Each station, whether it was a relay, jump or toss, was surrounded by cheers — not just from coaches or teammates, but from local law enforcement, educators, and parents proudly waving signs.
As Aycock looked around at the day’s success, she smiled. “Every year, I say someone else should take over. And every year, I can’t let it go,” she said. “It’s the best day of the year.”
For one day, the track at Greene Central High School became the most inspiring place in Eastern North Carolina — not because of records set or medals earned, but because it celebrated the courage, joy, and spirit of athletes who showed the world what true victory looks like.
