Blog

After weeks of planning, preparation, and practice, ATS participants were energized it was time for the ATS Games. Similar to the Spring Olympics, this day was the fourth annual ATS Games, on Friday April 24th, 2026!

It was a cool morning as staff and volunteers transformed the parking lot into the staging area for the day’s events. The pavement held the racing course, and the grassy areas next to and behind the picnic shelter became softball and bocce zones.

First Up as Opening Ceremony! Each group lined up in the breezeway for the parade of athletes. At the head of each cluster, three or four participants held large painted banners with their group name. Many hours were spent designing and creating these works of art. Each banner showcased its particular group. In addition to the banner bearers, one proud participant from each group held up “flaming torches” fashioned from red, yellow, and orange tissue paper.

The Joy group led the parade, followed by the Faith, Grace, and Hope groups. The excited athletes marched across the parking lot, curved left, and passed through a tunnel of cheering spectators. Blue and gold tinsel pompons glistening in the sun accompanied the cheering. Fluorescent pool noodles waving in the air added to the colorful ambience.

Participants Jay and Camille assisted in the opening ceremony. Jay spoke the opening prayer, and Camille sang the National Anthem. Camille said she was nervous, but it did not show as she belted out a poignant rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. After a few words from the ATS staff, the athletes were instructed to meet at the designated start of the first racing event for warm-ups.

We had nineteen teams of 2-4 athletes, paired with ATS volunteers and a supporters from Apex Baptist Church. Participant Corbin proudly announced that they were from his church, and they all knew him. He was thrilled to have his beloved church friends cheering for him.

As each set of participants worked the circuit, the cheering squad, led by ATS instructor Beth, yelled out chants of encouragement. Many of the seated folks held up colorful posters painted with positive words of encouragement.

“I did it!” Proclaimed participant Bryan as he triumphantly crossed the colorfully chalked-in-the-asphalt finish line, and received high-fives.

Everyone crossing the finish line was met with high-fives, side hugs, and words of praise. 

As the sun rose higher, the day grew quite warm. Anticipating the need for protection from the heat, the support team from Charles Ashley Mann dentistry provided much-appreciated cooling towels soaked in icy water. The ladies handed out the refreshing black/green scarves in addition to cheering on the athletes.

Once the racing games ended, participants moved as a group to the grassy areas for the softball throw and bocce competitions. Both courts were delineated with colorful flag streamers flapping in the wind. Like the races, they were divided into teams of three. For softball, each athlete had three throws; the furthest landing point of the ball was their final score. For bocce, the closest thrown ball to the target was measured. 

Hot and hungry after the field events ended, everyone converged on the shaded white tables, ready for lunch and a cold drink. Provided by Victoria Caroway and New Bethel Baptist church, the hearty meal consisted of Chicken tenders with dipping sauce, macaroni and cheese, a mandarin orange, fruit cup, chips, and a chocolate cookie. 

With lunch finished and folks visiting around the tables, it was time for the awards ceremony. Rachel announced each participant’s name and event. Staff handed out awards as the participants came up to claim them. All received a first, second, or third-place ribbon. Participant Mason marched around the area proudly displaying his two ribbons. Emma raised her arms in victory as she showed off her ribbons. Camille admitted that she had never won a ribbon and was overwhelmed with her two hard-earned wins.

To celebrate our winning athletes, the grand finale for the ATS games was a dance party. Participant Adam was the first on the dance floor, and he kicked it off  by leading us in the fun Chicken Dance. After about six dances, including the Macarena, YMCA, and of course, Cotton Eyed Joe, it was time to end the festivities.

Tired, yet satisfied, everyone agreed that this day was a great success. We are proud of all our athletes, who are all winners in our eyes. Thank you to everyone who came out to cheer on and support our amazing athletes! We are so thankful for our community of supporters, helping our participants THRIVE each day!