Special Olympics hosts Prom in Basin

The Special Olympics threw their first Prom at Basin Community Center on Friday, drawing athletes from Cody to Riverton. 

“We wanted to make those athletes feel recognized for all of their hard work and let them have a night where they can dress up and feel good and have a good time and build a community,” said O.W.L. Unlimited volunteer and Special Olympics swim coach MauRena Scott, who helped put on the event. 

The theme was “Under the Sea,” and participants were invited to dress up, dance, snack on donated food and beverages and check out the ocean-themed photo booth. Attending teams included the Mountain Rams, which hosts athletes in Worland, Basin and Greybull, plus Powell Masters, Cody and Riverton. 

Kenny and Mary Kate were crowned king and queen, with Kayla Manta receiving an award from winning the Greybull Museum T-shirt contest.  

“It looks like we’re going to turn it into an annual thing,” Scott reported. 

Up next for the Special Olympians will be the Winter Olympics. Fundraising is underway, with athletes set to run a food stand at Washakie County Fair July 19-26. Donations can also be made to Mountain Rams, O.W.L. Unlimited and at Healing Touch Massage and Wellness in Basin.