Nancy Biggers passing the torch’ for Special Olympics
Published 12:00 am Monday, March 25, 2002
Nancy Biggers gets a classroom squeeze from seven of her students Tuesday in her classroom at Beechwood Elementary School. Students, clockwise from bottom left, are Donnie Hicks, Claude Friley, Michael Nelson, Darrius Brown, Terrick Allen, John Walker and Dominique Miller.(The Vicksburg Post/MELANIE DUNCAN)
[03/24/02]A woman described as the driving force behind the local Special Olympics program is resigning, leaving three counties with some pretty big shoes to fill.
Nancy Biggers, director for Area 10 Special Olympics encompassing Warren, Yazoo and Claiborne counties will resign as of June 1 from the volunteer position she has held for 15 years.
“It’s time to pass the torch,” she said. “With younger people coming into special education, I feel like the program can be moved to another level.
“There’s no limit to what we can accomplish,” she said.
Special Olympics is an international organization that provides the mentally handicapped with sports training and Olympic-type athletic competitions throughout the year, ranging from area to international level.
Biggers’ duties as director have included recruiting volunteers, carrying out administrative duties and setting up year-round special programs. Under her direction, the Special Olympics program for Area 10 has expanded from one athletic event a year to nine; including bowling, basketball, golf, croquet, skill-level tennis, aquatics and track and field.
“I’ve never seen such a person so devoted to a cause,” said Carol George, assistant director for Area 10 who has worked with Biggers for six years.
“She’s the main driving force. This program would not be what it is today if it weren’t for Nancy.”
Biggers said most rewarding throughout her years at the program’s helm has been to see not only children but adults have the chance to compete and reach their goals by winning in the competitions.
“It’s a chance to see another side of special education students you don’t see in the classroom. It helps them socially and gives them the feeling of being a well-rounded person,” she said.
Of her most memorable experiences, she recalls taking a group of athletes to Mississippi University for Women in Columbus for a basketball tournament in which a particularly quiet boy, who usually gave just yes’ and no’ answers, went along. After the trip, however, Biggers said the athlete underwent a remarkable change.
“His mother called me to say he had become a non-stop talker. He just could not stop talking from that moment on,” she said.
Biggers said the athlete went on to compete in area, state and international Olympics and is now working in the community.
In addition to her volunteer work, Biggers is employed fulltime as a special education teacher at Beechwood Elementary School. Jack Grogan, principal of Beechwood Elementary, said he knows Biggers’ decision to resign was a tough one to make.
“For someone who has put her whole heart into the Special Olympics program, I know she will definitely miss being director.
“Nancy is very sincere at what she does. Anything she has ever been involved with has been a success,” he said.
After resigning, Biggers said she plans to spend more quality time with her family- husband Mike and daughters Michelle and Marion Margaret.
“They have given me such great support. I want a chance to give that back to them,” she said.
Although she has talked to several special education teachers and civic groups about the upcoming open position, Biggers said so far no one has come forward with interest in succeeding her. She said if no one agrees to take the position, Warren County will no longer be involved in the program.
She said her potential successor should have a positive attitude, adequate people skills and willing to work with children and adults with all levels of special needs.
Biggers said she is grateful for the support she’s received through the years.
“I can’t say thank you’ to a community any more than I can Vicksburg,” she said. “They have met my needs and it has been a truly rewarding experience.”
Area 10 will host its annual track and field meet Tuesday, April 2, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Vicksburg High School stadium. Biggers invites everyone to attend.