Information contributed by Johnston County Public Schools
Recently Johnston County Public Schools had a total of 22 middle and high school teams represented at the 2026 Special Olympics Johnston County Spring Games. There were also adult athletes from around Johnston County excited to showcase their athletic skills.
Started in 1978 by the Keywanettes and Key Club, the games have been held at Smithfield-Selma High, and have turned into a whole school engagement opportunity, with all clubs and school groups working collaboratively. Special Olympics Johnston County offers year-round sports training and athletic competition to approximately 650 youth and adults with intellectual disabilities in the county.
Each year, athletes are eligible to compete in one track event and one field event. They had the option to choose from track events such as the 10M Wheelchair Race, the 25M Assisted Walk, and the 25M to 100M Walk and Run. Field events included Softball Throw, Tennis Ball Throw, Standing Jump, and Long Jump.
The teams were welcomed with music, creating an electric atmosphere that energized the crowd and created a dance party. Community and school volunteers, JCPS administrators and various school groups, including Unified Pairs Youth Leaders, joined in the fun as well.
Unified Pairs Youth Leaders are students who are trained and mentored through the planning and implementation of the event by advisors, Special Olympics staff, and peers. Unified Pairs work as a team to ensure every athlete, volunteer and family leaves with wonderful memories of the experience at the games.
Next, it was time for one of the most exciting moments for everyone involved, the parade. Teams showed their school spirit by wearing matching t-shirts with their school logo, carrying handmade signs and holding their school’s banner.
The athletes exuded excitement through big cheers and big smiles as they walked around the track. Afterwards, a few of the athletes accompanied members of local law enforcement as they carried the Special Olympics torch, marking the official start of this year’s games.
Each year, ensuring the athletes create everlasting memories requires a great deal of organization and teamwork from everyone involved in the games. “This event is a culmination of all the hard work of students with and without intellectual disabilities. Together, as a community, we support our students. In turn, they shine, going for the gold and exceeding every expectation,” said Bethany Jones, Games Manager and Exceptional Children Teacher at Smithfield-Selma High.
Wilson’s Mills joins NCHSAA
The North Carolina High School Athletic Association voted to grant membership recently to the new Wilson’s Mills High School, starting in the 2026-2027 school year.
Since realignment was just a year ago, the Green Waves will likely follow the same path to membership that American Leadership Academy did during its first year of membership in 2025.
That means that, though they will be a member school, they will not be assigned a conference, and as such, will not be eligible for postseason play.
