Altus All-Star Olympics began in 2011. It was funded through a grant from the Altus Public Schools Foundation. The grant was written by Mandy Crisman, Speech/Language Pathologist and Stacy Ogle, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, both employees of Altus Public Schools.

The goal of All-Star Olympics is to provide students with special needs the opportunity to participate in track and field events in which they would not otherwise be able to participate. All-Star Olympics also allows these students to have a feeling of pride and success when they are done.

Last year, All-Star Olympics was only offered to students from Altus Public Schools, and approximately 50 students participated. This year, invitations were sent out to area schools inviting them to this event. A total of 80 participants showed up to compete from Altus and six surrounding schools. The event was held at the Altus Junior High School Track Field on May 10, 2012.

“We hope that each year more schools will get involved and All-Star Olympics will continue to grow,” said Mandy Crisman, event coordinator. “Since the first All-Star Olympics, the community has been very supportive and the number of volunteers continues to grow once people see what a positive impact this has on our students,” she added.

Altus All-Star Olympics would like to thank the following businesses and organizations for their donations: Beta Mothers Club; Psi Beta Club, WOSC; Myrtle B. Scott, Heroines of Jericho; Lily of The Valley Eastern Star #135; VFW Ladies Auxiliary; VFW; Willie A. Gallop Consistory #337; Willie A. Gallop Consistory #337 Commander of the Rites; Myrtle B. Scott, James Crane Chapter #37; St. James Lodge #229; Fourteenth Masonic District; Fourteenth HRAM Masonic District, St. Luke Lodge #36; Bar-S; JB’s Moon Jump; Dr. Rick Henry; JCMH; Zip Local; AAFB 97 FSS Outdoor Recreation; Wilmes Superstore; Altus Fire Dept., Fox’s Lumber; Hampton Inn; Mike Snyder and AHS Art students; Big Dog Custom Sportswear; Sonic; Western Sizzlin; Pizza Hut; Whataburger; Happy Donuts; McDonalds; Sno Ball Factory; and Heritage Park Theatre, all of Altus.

Thanks also go out to George W. Chambers Commandery #40, Lawton; Cornelius Carter Council #9, Lawton; and Dr. Pepper Co., Vernon, TX.

“We would also like to give a big ‘Thank You’ to all of those who volunteered and made this event such as a success. We couldn’t have done it without each and every one of you,” said event coordinator Stacy Ogle.

Diego Julian of Altus proudly shows off his first-place ribbon.

Bailey Jo Baker of Altus has fun on the slide between events.

Competing in the wagon pull race are Shelby Luce of Hollis, Dillon Herron of Duke, and Patrick Beauchamp of Hollis.

April Hoffman of Altus hugs Miss Bulldog.

Getting ready for the wheelchair race are Lane Parker of Olustee, Caitlin Barlow of Altus, Zachary Willis of Altus, and Matthew Renteria of Altus. Manning the green “Go” flag is John Phelan, WOSC volunteer. 

Payton Miller of Altus enjoys watching the baby goats at the petting zoo between her All-Star Olympics events.

Isaac Gonzales of Olustee receives his medal.

Jeremy Peña of Altus competes in the rollerball race. Cheering him on are teacher Mindy Hawthorne and teacher’s aide Melisa Snyder.

Tristian Means of Hollis gives it his all in the
softball throw.

Representatives of a few of the groups sponsoring the All-Star Olympics pose for a photo. From left are Mandy Crisman, event coordinator; Heather Bonds, Beta Mothers Club; Carrie Crafton, Psi Beta; Whitney Williams, Heroines of Jericho #78; Phyllis Williams, Worthy Matron, Lily of the Valley Chapter #135 OES; and Stacy Ogle, event coordinator.