In his roughly 20 years as a Special Olympics athlete, Watkins Parrish played almost every sport he could, including bowling, basketball and swimming. On Sunday, the 45-year-old Harrisonburg resident put his volleyball skills to the test during the 2018 Special Olympics Virginia’s Fall Extravaganza held at Eastern Mennonite University.
“I love all the sports,” he said. “It’s good exercise.”
This year’s event was held at EMU for the first time, thanks to EMU volleyball and softball player Beck Hoskins. Hoskins interned with Special Olympics Virginia during the summer and worked with college leaders to move the event from Woodrow Wilson High School in Augusta County to EMU.
Daniel Leake, director of the Special Olympics Virginia’s Shenandoah Region, said the atmosphere makes the athletes feel included.
“They really love being on a university campus and interacting with the college athletes,” he said.
Bridgewater resident Tammy Torkelson, the area’s Special Olympics director, said the athletes were excited about the games. “It’s good to see them happy,” Torkelson said. “They’re full of joy.”
In addition to playing sports, Torkelson said, the area group has started a Fit 5 campaign to encourage healthy habits.
“We’re trying to teach a lifestyle,” Torkelson said. “We’re trying to emphasize five bottles of water a day, five fruits and vegetables a day, and five exercises a day.”
Troy Evans, 29, of Elkton, serves as a Special Olympics global messenger and travels throughout the state speaking on behalf of the organization. On Sunday, he suited up for his volleyball team, the Valley Spikers.
“It’s exciting,” Evans said “especially with the great team and coaches I have.”
Beck is my cousin, and everyone in our family are very proud of her! This does not surprise me a bit, she is simply an awesome person!