Murphy – The L&N Depot was abuzz of people, food trucks and music Thursday, with part of the excitement hovered over a police car and a table.
High Lonesome Therapeutic Equestrian Center had a table set up in the parking lot with the intention to seek donations, selling T-shirts and stickers. The sale of each item and other monies received was part of a fundraiser to send athletes from Cherokee and Clay counties who want to participate in the Special Olympics to the games at the Trion International Equestrian Center in Springhill from Sept. 22-24.
Four of the Special Olympian hopefuls were at the event. One athlete was so excited she was jumping up and down, drawing in another person who was just there to check out what was happening. Both were bouncing around as if they had just won the lottery.
As a town patrol car was quickly being covered with the purchased stickers, the crowd was growing larger. Officer Justin Dockery was happy to be participating.
“It’s a good thing,” he said. “We should all come together as a community to support what they want to do.”
Lana Foster, a previous Special Olympian, really wants to compete again.
She was collecting donations with enough enthusiasm to rival a small child on Christmas morning.
“I’m super, duper excited for the event,” she said. “We have a wonderful turnout and everything. I’m gonna win more gold medals. I’ve been doing this since I was a toddler.”
John Riley, 42, is also a repeat Special Olympian.
“I’m very excited,” he said. “I’ve won a lot of medals before in track and field.”
This year, Riley wears the title of athlete ambassador with the N.C. Special Olympics. Next year, he has his goal set on achieving the position of global messenger, which will allow him to speak about Special Olympics in different areas.
In an excited voice, he added, “I want to be on the front page of the newspaper.”
The event was a success. Hopeful participants, locals and visitors to the area were happy to be a part of raising money for the cause. On Friday, more money was raised during Food Truck Friday in Andrews.