GREAT FALLS — This afternoon, walkers from Great Falls High School’s Business Professionals of America Club took laps around Gibson Park for the annual Winter Wonderland Walk-a-thon.
Walkers bundled up in their winter wear as they took steps towards inclusion and awareness of Special Olympians in their community.
The BPA Club has participated in this walk for a few years as a way to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Montana.
Sponsors pay the students to walk, so they can truly make strides for change.
For BPA Club Member and three-time participant Camille Boland, this event provides opportunities to get to know those with special needs.
“There's always a few Special Olympic Athletes that come and then we just walk around talk to them, get to know them a little bit... We usually don’t have classes with special needs kids cause they're all in their separate little groups, so it’s really nice to get to know them better than we would at school,” Boland said.
This year, Special Olympian Jamie Darko dressed up as Santa and joined in the fun!
“I’m out here dressed up like Santa because this is Christmas joy,” Darko said.
Darko enjoyed the walk through the snow and the desserts that awaited him at the finish line: cocoa and pie.
If you missed today's walk but still wish to support Special Olympics Montana, the Great Falls High BPA club members are participating in a chain of love from now until the end of February.
Participants can donate $1, write their name on a link and add it to a chain of loving supporters.
You can purchase a link now through the end of February at Hallmark in the Holiday Village Mall, Great Falls High School, or from a participating BPA member.
All proceeds will benefit Special Olympics Montana.
