Special Olympics athlete of the year recognized at BOE

LMS student-athlete Colton Raines is Campbell County Special Olympic Athlete of the Year

By Charlotte Underwood 

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – LaFollette Middle Schooler Colton Raines was recognized as Campbell County Special Olympic Athlete of the Year at Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting.  Brandon Johnson Director of the Campbell County Special Olympics, along with Colton, addressed BOE members.

“This is something we hope to come before the school board every year and present our Special Olympics Athlete of the Year,” Johnson said.

Colton is a “soon-to-be eighth grader” at LaFollette Middle School and has been the county’s “most active Special Olympics Athlete.”

Colton was wearing a special T-shirt with his very own design he drew for Special Olympics last year.

“When I was in sixth grade, all of us had to draw a Special Olympics drawing, and when the Special Olympics Director saw my drawing, he thought it was great and he decided to use it,” Colton said.

“When we were doing our very first Special Olympics event, we put it on a billboard,” Johnson explained.

Colton has been a Track & Field athlete and a basketball athlete for Campbell County Special Olympics. He said he likes basketball the best.

LaFollette Middle Schooler Colton Raines was recognized as Campbell County’s Special Olympic Athlete of the Year at Tuesday’s BOE meeting. He is pictured with Campbell County Special Olympics Director Brandon Johnson.

“What impresses me most about Colton is not just how great he is at the sports, but his attitude constantly. Anytime he wins a medal, and he always medals at our events, he’s not worried about what medal he gets, he’s worried about making sure his friends are on that podium with him. For his exceptional character and his exceptional kindness, it is my honor to name Colton our Special Olympics Athlete of the Year for Campbell County,” Johnson said.

“He is certainly a worthy representative for Special Olympics and for our county, said Campbell County BOE chair Steve Morgan.

Johnson thanked the board for “their investment” in the Special Olympics program and providing opportunities for “exceptional students like Colton.” (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 07/10/2024-6AM)