Go west with Special Olympics

Special Olympics athletes fromClinton, Ingham and Shiawassee counties will be joining their families andfriends for a day of cowboy activities on Saturday, Oct. 2 at Peacock Tree Farmin Laingsburg. The event includes steer-roping, cow-milking, riding in a horse-drawnwagon, watching pig races, visiting the animal barnyard and touring the 180-acretree plantation.

The Special Olympics organizationprovides sports training and athletic competition in a range of sports forchildren and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities. Althoughsports are the driving force, the ultimate goal of the organization is to helppeople participate and receive respect as members of their communities.

To spread awareness, SpecialOlympics is hosting a walk on the popular “2 Feet for 28” path, organized byS.O. Area 28 of Clinton County. It will be open to all visitors; registrationbegins at 9 a.m. Saturday, with the walk beginning at 10 a.m. There are two trailsto choose from: The short trail is wheelchair-accessible. A $10 contribution isrequested for the participants.

The event is free for athletes; familiesand friends pay a $2 admission. Tickets for rides on the train and wagons, andsome miscellaneous activities are $2 each.

The Peacock Road Tree Farm is located at 11854 Peacock Roadin Laingsburg. For more information, directions and a virtual tour of the farm,visit www.peacockroadtreefarm.com.