It Takes a Village (and a Lot of Hot Dog Slaw)
After nearly 40 years without a local presence, the Special Olympics has returned to Wyoming County with an explosion of community support. From local businesses donating every single item for the concession stands to neighbors stepping up at the last minute to make sure there is enough slaw for the hot dogs, the program thrives on small town hospitality. This isn’t just about sports; it is about a community coming together to celebrate its own. Whether it is a basketball game or a cheer competition, the stands are often packed with hundreds of people showing up to cheer on the athletes.
“Wyoming County and I think the whole Southern West Virginia community is like that. We always come together. I love that community involvement. I love the community thoughtfulness.”
More Than Just a Game
The Wyoming County program is currently one of the youngest in the state, with an average athlete age of about 15. While the athletes compete in everything from bowling to basketball, the real magic happens in the friendships that form off the court. For many of these participants, the program provides a space to build lifelong kinships and celebrate major life milestones together, such as birthdays, graduations, and even adoptions. The goal is to provide a flexible, fun environment where every individual personality can shine.
“Every athlete has their own individual personality, but all of them get excited at these opportunities. I have two athletes that are best friends. There is a lot of friendship there. There is a lot of kinship there.”
Lessons in Empathy and Hospitality
For Director Holly Hail, leading this program has been a journey of personal growth and a lesson in the power of empathy. She describes the athletes as having a wholesome, pure nature that teaches everyone around them about the best parts of humanity. Despite the negative stereotypes sometimes associated with rural areas, the program highlights the protective, supportive “dome” of small town life where neighbors look out for one another. It is a place where “small town celebrity status” is earned through a loyal work ethic and a commitment to helping others.
“It really has taught a lot about humanity, a lot of empathy. It has gotten my feet wet with a wide variety of experiences. Ultimately, it just comes all down to the athletes and the people that I get to be surrounded with.”
See the Magic for Yourself
Want to hear the full story of how Holly and her team are changing the game in the coal fields? You won’t want to miss the heart-to-heart conversation in the original video. Check it out below to see why these athletes are the true pride of Appalachia.
