Special Olympics Newton County and Covington Ford have formed a new partnership. It is with grateful hearts that the special needs athletes of Newton County welcome Covington Ford as their Platinum Sponsor with a $5,000.00 donation.

“Special Olympics invests in people with intellectual disabilities by helping them develop athletic skills, while also promoting their abilities off the field,” said LaTrelle Cawthon, Special Olympics Newton County program coordinator. “When our athletes succeed attitudes change, communities develop, health and self-esteem are built, and the eyes of the world are focused on all that is good and hopeful and positive.”

Special Olympics Newton County began with a local track meet for 50 athletes in 1974.

“One misconception is that Newton County Special Olympics is one week in the spring,” said Cawthon. “That could not be farther from the truth. This year, approximately 500 athletes will train and compete, free of charge, in basketball, volleyball, swimming, softball, tennis, downhill snow skiing,  bocce, bowling, roller skating, track & field, developmental sports and wheelchair activities.”

“A few weeks ago I had the great privilege of taking a group of special needs students on a tour of our dealership,” said Matt Crowe, Vice-President and General Manager of Covington Ford.  “We walked around the dealership and talked about the different departments and then we gave the students the chance to pick out several vehicles of their choice to sit in. It was wonderful to see the excitement in their eyes as they took turns sitting in a new Mustang, Raptor and F250! I’m not sure who enjoyed it the most, them or me!  So when we heard about the opportunity to sponsor Special Olympics here in Newton County, my dad (Wendell Crowe) and I knew what an incredible honor that would be. These children deserve the very best so without hesitation we made the commitment to sponsor the Newton County Special Olympics program. Nothing warms my heart more than seeing big, beautiful smiles on these kid’s faces!”

According to Cawthon, Covington Ford’s support has been overwhelming and much appreciated.

“We are thrilled to welcome Covington Ford to our family,” she said. “I was completely shocked when Mr. (Matt) Crowe approached me about wanting to support our program. He truly has a heart for the special needs community of Newton County. In fact, the entire Crowe family, including Mr. Wendell, Matt, and Wes, are excited about not only supporting our athletes financially but also by being hands-on volunteers with our students. Covington Ford has allowed several of our special needs classes to tour the dealership as part of community-based learning trips. With the increasing population of our community the number of special needs athletes is also growing, so we are so thankful for the financial support Covington Ford has provided. This will help our program keep up with its growing needs.”

Newton County’s Special Olympics’ Track and Field Competition Week is scheduled for May 2-6, 2016. The week will kick off with the annual Special Olympics Parade around the Covington Square on Monday, May 2 at 10:00 a.m. Anyone interested in volunteering or partnering with Special Olympics Newton County should contact Ms. Cawthon at 770-788-5387 or [email protected] .