Latasha Ruddle Shares Clinton County Special Olympics Updates

Latasha Ruddle

Going from 'I didn't think this was possible' to 'This is possible' [is inspiring]... As the athlete, [you] can be part of a basketball team... [and] as the mom, you know that there's opportunities for your family members to be a part of the community and to flourish and grow and feel connected," said Latasha Ruddle, Special Olympics Coordinator and Community Integration Coordinator at the Clinton County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CCBDD), located at 180 East Sugartree Street.

Ruddle was born and raised in Clinton County, previously working at Ohio Living Cape May before applying at the CCBDD in 2021. Prior to her work at the CCBDD, Ruddle volunteered for the Special Olympics in high school and assisted in recent years through her church. She stated, "I always had a desire to help individuals with developmental disabilities... That was always just a passion of mine."

According to Ruddle, the first Special Olympics were held in the late 1960s in Chicago, Illinois, and they currently reach over five million individuals in 170 countries.

In Clinton County, individuals with developmental disabilities can start participating in the Special Olympics at age eight in several sports, including basketball, bowling, cheer, flag football, track, field, and volleyball. The sports occur in seasons, ensuring activities and opportunities are available almost year-around. The structure operates similarly to high school sports with local, regional, and state levels. Ruddle shared that the Clinton County athletes made it to state in track and field last year. "Our athletes felt special... It was exciting to give them an opportunity to be able to compete at a higher level." She continued, "I think that is our goal here in Clinton County... to get more families and individuals involved... and then also to give them opportunity to compete at a higher level."

In addition to the Special Olympic games, the teams play games against local law enforcement, church groups, and more to encourage community involvement.

According to Ruddle, Special Olympics Ohio plans to make cornhole an accredited sport in the near future.

Ruddle also shared that the Special Olympics is always seeking coaches, volunteers, and available gym space.

To volunteer or participate, email lruddle@clintondd.org or call (937) 382-6938.