Hundreds of children and adults will participate in the parade of schools and agencies for the Special Olympics on Friday, April 17 - just like the traditional Olympic Games.
The event will be held at Midland Valley High School, drawing participants from Aiken, Edgefield and Saluda counties. The program will begin at 9 a.m.
Bonnie Fulghum, a staff member with Tri-Development - the agency that provides services for special needs adults - is on the planning committee for the fourth year.
"This experience has been extraordinary and wonderful for me," said Fulghum. "I get to see the future generations with these kids, enjoying life to the fullest and coming up through the ranks."
With all the student and adult volunteers, about 2,000 people are involved in the experience. Each special athlete will participate in two athletic events. The youngest kids will participant in several fun activities. A number of Aiken women's clubs will host arts activities for the children.
In 2014, Fulghum's son, Dawson, 16, sang the national anthem. This year, the honor will go to Lisa Oerman, who works at Tri-Development's "Busy Bakers" kitchen.
Staff coordinator Toni Faircloth provides snacks to athletes each year.
"We'll have 40 dozen cinnamon rolls and 20 dozen cookies," she said. "Michael Ruskin and I will get there at 4 a.m. He's such a trooper and helps me out."
All the spacial athlete children will have "buddies - high school students who hang out with them throughout the morning. Most are expected from Midland Valley, Aiken High and South Aiken High.
Midland Valley High School is at 227 Mustang Drive, Graniteville.
Senior writer Rob Novit is the Aiken Standard's education reporter.