Special Olympics Brings Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Students Together

OBA Staff • March 13, 2025

Free event invites the public to celebrate team spirit and sportsmanship

Special Olympics 2023 in Gulf Shores, Photo by Brent Williams

Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) –  The Fourth Annual Island Special Olympics is set to bring athletes, families, and volunteers together for a day of sports competition, and community support. The event will take place at Mickey Miller Blackwell Stadium in Gulf Shores.


The competition is scheduled for Tuesday, March 18, 2025, with gates opening at 8:15 a.m. and the closing medal ceremony concluding at noon. Students with disabilities from Gulf Shores City Schools and Orange Beach City Schools will compete in various track and field events. The Island Special Olympics began in 2022, with Gulf Shores hosting the first event. Orange Beach athletes joined the following year, and the two districts have since alternated hosting.


“This event not only highlights the talents of our athletes, but also fosters a sense of unity, compassion, and excitement,” said Dr. Sonya Price, Director of Exceptional Education at Gulf Shores City Schools. “We invite everyone to join us for a day of celebration and support.”


The event will feature multiple track and field competitions, an awards ceremony, and interactive activities for participants. After the competition, athletes can enjoy games, karaoke, and a lunch provided by the Perdido Bay and Island Optimist Clubs.


The public is encouraged to attend and show their support. Admission is free, and families are encouraged to come out and cheer on the athletes.


For more information, visit
www.gsboe.org.

Share this article w/ Friends...

Gulf of America Homeland Security
By OBA Staff July 24, 2025
Loxley, Ala. — (OBA) — In the past few weeks, several Baldwin County businesses and construction sites have experienced immigration enforcement by the Gulf of America Homeland Security Task Force. This week Federal agents carried out an immigration enforcement operation at the construction site for the new Loxley Eleme
BJ’s Wholesale Club Expands with Foley Store Plans
By OBA Staff July 24, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Residents in Foley will soon have a new option for bulk shopping as BJ’s Wholesale Club plans to open its second Alabama location in the city. The project was recommended for approval by the Foley Planning Commission, marking a significant step forward for the retail development. The new store wil
Foley, Alabama's Building Inspectors
By OBA Staff July 24, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley, Alabama, stands out for its strong focus on safe home building. The city ranks fourth in the nation for homes certified as fortified by Smart Home America. These certifications mean buildings can better handle hurricanes and other bad weather. City officials say this work keeps residents sa
Flora-Bama Ole River Grill
By OBA Staff July 23, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Flora-Bama Ole River Grill has earned a spot among nominees in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for the best local sports bar in 2025. This popular venue sits right on the Florida-Alabama line, making it a key hangout for folks in Florida and Alabama. It stands out with its m
Coastal Tailgate Cook-Off Challenge Returns to Orange Beach
By R. Ken Cooper July 23, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach will come alive on Saturday, August 23, 2025, as the Coastal Tailgate Cook-Off Challenge returns to The Wharf, promising a feast for the senses along with plenty of spirited competition. Organized by the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber, this event uniquely blends the excitemen
Zoning Amendment Aims to Boost Walkability in Waterway Village
By OBA Staff July 22, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The Gulf Shores Planning Commission will take up a proposed zoning text amendment on July 22 that could reshape how parking is managed in the city’s Waterway Village Overlay District. The measure, known as ZTA25-03, is designed to support compact, pedestrian-oriented development by expanding
Alabama Officials Warn Public as Heat Reaches Risky Levels
By OBA Staff July 22, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Alabama Department of Public Health is alerting residents about the dangers of extreme heat as temperatures soar across the state. With heat indices climbing into the triple digits this week, health officials say everyone should be aware of the risks. Heat-related illnesses are becoming
Things to do on the Gulf Coast this week.
By Jessica A. Taylor July 21, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — As the final weeks of summer unfold along the Gulf Coast, the region comes alive with various experiences designed to bring the community together. From early morning activities on the water to vibrant evenings filled with music and food, locals and visitors have a full calendar of opportun
Credit: Alive Coverage (@aliveco)
By John Mullen July 21, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Following a successful Sand in My Boots Music Festival, the city council will consider a two-year extension of the festival’s franchise. Formerly the Hangout Music Festival, which started in 2010, the festival changed to a country theme for the 2025 edition. The festival received a 10-year f
Foley City Hall
By John Mullen July 21, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley is being asked to give a waiver of a moratorium suspending applications for certain residential-mixed-use projects in the city. The ban was voted on in the May 5 council meeting. The 37-acre site in question is at the intersection of Pride Drive and South Juniper Street.
Show More