It turns out that before we ever met, Vickey Ritchie and I attended the same Night to Shine ! Tonight Coach was back at it in Galax 💘

Coach Vickey Ritchie reports that a good number of athletes from Carroll County Special Olympics were privileged to participate in Night to Shine at The Rock, a local church in Galax, VA, along with many other members of the special-needs community. Volunteers from the community turned out to cheer as each king or queen came through the door, and then it was on to a fun night of dancing, karaoke, and food.

The church and many helpers work hard to make this an event that honors each attendee. Chief Mike Ayers and several members of the Galax Fire Department form an honor guard to escort Kings and Queens from the limo to the red carpet to go inside. The music plays from six till nine, and the dance floor is always full.

Proud to list Tim Tebow as my inspirational 🙌 guide, Proud to know Coach Vickey 💙

With one eye looking forward to The Classic on February 22nd, Vickey Ritchie takes us through our Big Day in Roanoke this past Sunday !!+

Sun Feb 8, as invited guests at the Area 8 Special Olympics Basketball Tournament at Roanoke College, Carroll County Special Olympics took 3 teams and played 6 games against opponents from Roanoke (Area 8), New River Valley (Area 9), and Marion (Area 10). The CCSO HotShots lost one (12-16) and won one (31-14, a scrimmage with teammates because the other team was a scratch), the CCSO SureShots lost two by slim margins (14-18 and 22-26) and the CCSO Cavaliers won two (17-14 and 36-24). Coach Vickey Ritchie reported that a large entourage of family members and caregivers accompanied the group and pitched in to help at every opportunity. “I’m fond of saying that we simply could not do all we do without all the helpers, and that was certainly true on Sunday” said Coach Ritchie, “We truly are ONE TEAM.”

Also, this was the coaching debut for two of our parents. Debi Rein coached the SureShots and Samantha Lark-Smith coached the HotShots.

The busy , busy stretch continues with Night to Shine, The Classic and three more College experiences !!!!

Going to close out the second week of Snow Out 2026 with kind words for two cornerstones of The Hill ! I just read that one of them had a great day in Roanoke and I’m hoping that the other celebrated with his Family 👪.

Tip of the Cap…

Vickey Ritchie took three teams of Special Olympics Basketball 🏀 up to Roanoke College and our hard working Athletic Director, Kevin DeHaven celebrated his Birthday 🎂.

We face so many challenges each and everyday. Our corner of the World 🌎 is a better place because of both Vickey Ritchie and Kevin DeHaven ♥.