Video: Area Students Surprised With Selection For Special Olympics Team

LEE CO. (MISS )- Several high school students got a big surprise when they found out they would be taking part in next year’s Special Olympics.

Officials with the Special Olympics stopped at Saltillo High School to announce that Madison Dennis will compete in flag football at next year’s games in Seattle.

Ty Robertson was chosen as an alternate for that sport.   Both athletes have competed at the statewide level, and are looking forward to training for the big games and are ready to represent Mississippi.

“I was really shocked, I am really excited to go to Seattle and I can’t wait,” said Student Madison Dennis.

“It’s awesome for them to have an opportunity to showcase their athletic ability, a lot of people may write them off and think they may not have very much athletic ability at all, but everybody needs an opportunity, they need a chance,” said Sam Wells, with Special Olympics Mississippi.

Jesse Roach and Taylor Rosenthal from Shannon High School also learned they had made the team during a surprise announcement.   Thirty two athletes from Mississippi will compete at the Special Olympics USA Games next year.