There's a celebration on the square downtown on Monday and you're invited.

Come on out at 10 a.m. and cheer on the athletes in the Newton County Special Olympics at a parade around the square.

Afterwards, check out the opening ceremony and the torch run at Homer Sharp Stadium. That event will begin at 11 a.m.

You'll be glad you did. It's a fun, rewarding experience.
Our Special Olympics athletes could use your help, too, if you have a few hours to give on Tuesday or Wednesday when the games are held at Sharp Stadium.

You can help with the events for elementary school-aged children from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, or with the events for middle school, high school and older athletes from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday.

If you can't volunteer your time, perhaps you can give a monetary donation. The Special Olympics are funded through donations and grants and the United Way.

To volunteer, you can just show up, or you can contact program coordinator Pam Dew with donations or to volunteer by calling (404) 791-3032, or at dew.pam@newton.k12.ga.us.