LEXINGTON – The Magoffin County Special Olympics coach was honored earlier this month with the community service award at the annual convention for the Kentucky Council on Crime and Delinquency (KCCD).
Clarissa Bays and her husband, Craig, are employees of Little Sandy Correctional Complex in Sandy Hook, and she was notified a week before the convention about the award so she could be in Lexington to receive it on September 6.
Clarissa became involved with the Magoffin County Special Olympics Team four years ago because her stepson is autistic and joined the group, and three years ago when the last coach was stepping down, she took over as head coach.
“It is such a great program that when the last coach was stepping down and they were in need of a new one, my husband and I were asked to step in,” Clarissa said. “We were excited to take it on and working hands on with the kids and the group.”
The group participates in regional and state level competitions within the Special Olympics organization, giving athletes with disabilities opportunities to be included in numerous events.
“Our goal is to provide a safe and fun environment for kids with disabilities to feel free to express themselves and compete in activities that they might not normally get to play,” Clarissa said.
In the past few years, she said they have formed a strong bond with the parents and children in the group, keeping access open to contact them 24/7 with any issues or questions they may have.
“It’s a very close group of parents and children I work with,” Clarissa said.
Most of her time is spent securing grants and fundraising for the team since the organization is completely funded by the money they are able to raise.
“We want to ensure the parents are not out any money for the kids’ travel and uniforms,” Bays said.
Bays also helps keep up with the medical forms for each athlete, proving to be quite the resource for that community.
To follow the group, be sure to read the SI for more updates on the Magoffin County Special Olympics.
