The Fayette County Dragons — a local Special Olympics team — will face the local first responders once again, but this time the two teams will meet at the Miami Trace High School Tony’s Welding and Fabrication Stadium this Saturday.
The Fayette County Dragons flag football season has kicked off with the end goal of winning their first state football championship at the state flag football tournament on Saturday, Nov. 10. In an effort to prepare the team, local firefighter and Special Olympics volunteer Caleb McKinney contacted Fayette County Special Olympics Coordinator Tim Stewart with the idea that the local first responders team — “Guns N’ Hoses” — could play a flag football game against the Dragons.
“I thought it was a great idea and decided to reach out to Aaron Hammond and Bill Franke at Miami Trace Local Schools,” Stewart said. “I received an email back from both Aaron and Bill within hours saying they were both completely on board, and thought it was a great idea. I requested to see if we could get our team on the new turf field and have it under the lights. I knew if they would agree to that it would be a wonderful experience for our team to play on such a great field under the lights.”
The two Miami Trace officials agreed to host the game this Saturday at 7:30 p.m., according to Stewart. Stewart said that Miami Trace went the extra mile, and offered to feature the players by putting them up on the videoboard and introducing them that evening to the crowd.
“Additionally, the schools — with help from their athletic boosters — are going to open the concessions and all proceeds will benefit our program,” Stewart said. “I was very appreciative of the opportunity they are giving us to feature our team in such a spotlight. I know it will be an experience that will impact everyone on our team. Admission is free and we will hold a 50/50 raffle. I hope the whole community can make time to come watch the game.”
Stewart said the Dragons have worked hard every single practice, and he believes they have the best Special Olympics flag football team in the state. The opportunity to play this game just allows them a chance to be in the spotlight and have people come to the game to see what kind of team they are.
“I want to thank the Guns and Hoses for wanting to make this game happen and to Miami Trace Locals Schools for allowing this to happen,” Stewart said.
The information in this article was provided by Fayette County Special Olympics Coordinator Tim Stewart. For more information contact the Fayette County Board of Developmental Disabilities at (740) 335-7453.
Reach Martin Graham at (740) 313-0351 or on Twitter @MartiTheNewsGuy.
