9 Year-old With Down Syndrome Denied Chance to Compete in Special Olympics

LIBERTY COUNTY, Ga. -- They're designed as a way for kids and adults with disabilities to experience the joys of competition, but when athletes gather for the Special Olympics in Liberty County Friday, one little girl with Down syndrome won't be on the field.

Elizabeth Argo-Wilbanks said she has always wanted her 9 year-old daughter Reagan to experience the Special Olympics.

Reagan loves Mcdonald's and her favorite Barbie movie, and she was excited when her mom told her she could compete in the local Special Olympics. Those hopes were dashed when Argo-Wilbanks called the Liberty County School System.

"Because she has classroom subjects with regular students, instead of in all special education, she would miss too much academic instruction to participate," Argo-Wilbanks said school officials told her.

Reagan meets Georgia Special Olympics rules, but each county is allowed to run their own games.

"You can't call it the Special Olympics if you're adding extra rules to discriminate against kids that would be allowed to participate," said her mother.

Argo-Wilbanks was told there were no exceptions to the district's policy, even though Reagan's teachers were willing to help.

"I spoke with her teachers as well who said we'll work with you and her on allowing her... for that day that she misses, to make up work," said Argo-Wilbanks. She can't understand why children like her daughter are being excluded from the events that were meant just for them.

"They're in that strange position where they're not being allowed to participate in something that was designed specifically for people with intellectual disabilities."

The Liberty County deputy superintendent would not discuss the specifics of Reagan's case because of confidentiality. She did say the district did not have a specific policy for the Special Olympics, but students must meet all the requirements.

Reagan's mom said she'll be volunteering at the Special Olympics Friday at Fort Stewart, even though her daughter won't be allowed to compete.