OKEECHOBEE — Okeechobee Special Stars had its second annual track and field day at the Okeechobee County softball fields on Oct. 11. The track and field day featured cycling events, tennis ball rolling and throwing and shot put.

Special to the Lake Okeechobee News/ Tracy Nipper
Kathy Womble, Tom Gorney, Lucy Wendt and Theresa Mathews (L to R) enjoyed taking part in the Special Stars field day.

Special Stars is a sports and recreational program for children and adults with mental and physical disabilities. Last year’s track and field day featured over 120 athletes and Okeechobee Special Stars director Bernard Marker says this year’s event drew similar numbers.

Special to the Lake Okeechobee News/ Tracy Nipper
At the second annual field day on Oct. 11, Samantha Johnson carries in the torch in honor of her friend Rhonda Creuz, a member of Social Butterflies, who passed away in December last year.

“We have about the same amount of athletes as last year,” said Marker. “It’s a good turnout, everybody is having fun. These guys like getting out and competing. All these people are here cheering them on. There really isn’t a lot for them to do here in town, so I’m glad people are stepping up and doing this for them.”

Special to the Lake Okeechobee News/ Tracy Nipper
Margaret Guerrero races toward the finish line as Cpl. Jack Nash of the OCSO cheers her on.

Mr. Marker drew praise for his work with both Special Stars and the Special Olympics from Cpl. Jack Nash of the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office.

Special to the Lake Okeechobee News/ Tracy Nipper
Joseph Berry and RJ Sandefur display the medals they won during their events at the annual Special Stars Field Day.

“Couldn’t be a better person,” Nash said of Marker. “Not only does he believe in it, he owns it. It’s something he holds dear, and he has for 20 years now. This event with these athletes is my single favorite event in the county. You get to see these athletes compete with each other and open up in ways they may not normally do. This is one time where they get to come out and we can all connect with them in a very, very positive way.”

Special to the Lake Okeechobee News/ Tracy Nipper
Special Stars wait their turns to throw the softball.

The Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office had volunteers out in force at the event, helping run the events and keeping records for the competitors.

Special to the Lake Okeechobee News/ Tracy Nipper
Everyone enjoys the lunch provided by Jersey Mike’s.

Lunch for the athletes was once again graciously provided to participants free of charge by Jersey Mike’s with the support of Gilbert Ford. Jersey Mike’s owner, Krissy Culbreth, had previously worked with Special STARS through her Jersey Mike’s location in Sebring.

Special to the Lake Okeechobee News/ Tracy Nipper

After the wheelchair races, the contestants cool down before lunch.

“The community has been a lot of help,” said Marker of the support the athletes have received from Okeechobee. “There’s so many volunteers I couldn’t even name them all.”

Lake Okeechobee News/Richard Marion
Special Stars athletes line up to compete in the second annual track and field day on Oct. 11.

Earlier this year, Mr. Marker was named Special Olympics director for Okeechobee County. He says he would like to continue serving in both Special Stars and Special Olympics, but may have to make a decision later on down the line.

Lake Okeechobee News/Richard Marion
Bernard Marker coaches a Special Stars athlete at the second annual track and field day on Oct. 11 in Okeechobee.

“We’re still working on that,” explained Marker. “If I can do both without a conflict of interest, I’d like to do both. When that day comes, I’ll worry about it at that time. Right now it’s just more opportunity for those in need in Okeechobee.”