Johnston County Athletes Shine At 2025 Special Olympics Fall Tournament

Athletes from Johnston County were among nearly 1,300 competitors who traveled to the Charlotte and Concord area Nov. 15 for the 2025 Special Olympics North Carolina (SONC) Fall Tournament, one of the organization’s largest statewide events.

The Fall Tournament features competition in bocce, cycling, golf, roller skating, softball, soccer and tennis. Johnston County athletes joined participants from more than 50 North Carolina counties — as well as competitors from South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia — for a weekend designed to showcase athletic skill, camaraderie and inclusion.

According to SONC President and CEO Keith L. Fishburne, both Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners took part. Unified partners are individuals without intellectual disabilities who train and compete alongside Special Olympics athletes, promoting teamwork and social connection.

To create fair and competitive play, athletes were grouped by age, gender and ability level. Winners earned gold, silver and bronze medals, with ribbons awarded for fourth through eighth-place finishes.

The event is SONC’s second-largest state-level competition and a highlight for many Johnston County athletes who train throughout the year with local Special Olympics programs.