Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Nick Rizzo
The Kiwanis Club of Jasper held its annual Track and Field Day on Wednesday, October 15, bringing together students from across Walker County and Jasper City schools for a day of fun and athletic competition.
Since 1923, the club has focused on serving the local community, particularly its children.
Track and Field Day gives local students with physical and intellectual disabilities the chance to participate in athletic activities, helping them build physical fitness and enjoy the camaraderie of friends, family, teachers, and the broader community.
Participating schools included Carbon Hill Elementary/Junior High, Carbon Hill High School, Cordova Elementary, Dora High School, Lupton Junior High, Oakman Elementary, Oakman Middle, Oakman High School, Sumiton Elementary, Sumiton Middle, Valley Junior High, WCCT Pre-K, TR Simmons Elementary, Memorial Park Elementary, Maddox Intermediate, Jasper Junior High, and Jasper High School.
“This is a special day and one of our biggest events each year,” said Kiwanis Club member Billy Doss. “We have about 285 students participating this year, and it gives them an opportunity to get outside and enjoy sports and competition when they are not typically able to participate in school sports.”
Doss added that the Kiwanis Club welcomed approximately 200 volunteers for this year’s event, including students who are part of their schools Key Clubs, football teams, cheer teams, and other organizations.
“This is not about us, it is about the kids, and we want to make sure it’s a special day for them,” Doss said.
In addition to Track and Field Day, the Kiwanis Club is involved in various community service projects, most of which are focused on helping local youth.
To learn more about the Kiwanis Club of Jasper, visit kiwanisjasper.com WL
