Our pageant is unique because it is for people with special needs. No talent is required, No swimsuit competition and they are not judged on beauty. The contestants dress up in evening gowns and tuxes, appear on stage and are judged on stage presence, appearance, and personality.
There are two age categories, teens ages 13-19 and adults 20 and up. Even though only four winners are crowned each year, we make sure everyone feels like a winner! All the girls receive tiaras and the guys are awarded medals. This pageant builds their self-esteem and at the same time raises public awareness of people with disabilities within our community.
Each year, the new winners represent Henry County for one year and participate in parades, festivals, the Pre-Race parade at Atlanta Motor Speedway, give out awards at county and state Special Olympic GA activities, and also help with community holiday activities in local cities. With the money we have raised in the past five years, we have partnered with several organizations and sponsor ed parties for the special needs community.
We have provided the following:
- Sponsored the 2008-2009 Mr. and Miss Special Henry County Pageant with 37 contestants, our first year hosting two pageants
- Free “After Party” Tickets for last years 37 Contestants, Helpers, and Board Members
- Free Bowling Party at Fun Bowl for the 37 contestants of last year’s pageantFree Bowling Party at Fun Bowl for the 37 contestants of last year’s pageant
- Board Members worked Speedway Charities Night at Atlanta Motor Speedway Legends Race
- Free visit to World of Coca-Cola and lunch at the Varsity for the past 24 Kings and Queens
- Donated money and time to the Henry County Parks and Recreation Softball Tournament
- Hosted Bocce Family Night at Atlanta Motor Speedway for Henry County Parks and Recreation Special Olympics and fed over 30 families dinner
- Hosted “Fall Festival” on October 31 at Locust Grove Therapeutic Facility for “Circle of Friends”, fed over 150 people dinner, and provided candy, games and prizes for Bingo
- Board members worked “Share the Joy” Day for Henry County Parks and Recreation Special Olympics Fund-Raiser
- Designed Christmas Float for the McDonough and Hampton Christmas Parades and won First Place in both parades
- Adopted two special needs families within our “Circle of Friends” group with Christmas gifts
- Donated to Murphy House Project
- Purchased and donated T-Shirts to the “Circle of Friends” to wear on trips
- Helped sponsor Special Needs Easter Egg Hunt at Nash Farms for special needs families in Henry, Fayette, Clayton and Coweta Counties
- Kings and Queens made appearance at first “Abilities Celebration” at Georgia Aquarium
- Provided Orientation for all new contestants and their parents in May
- Limos each year free for the “Circle of Friends” Prom
- Donated money to the “Hope House” to purchase equipment and help pay for respite
- Hosted several Game nights for over 100 special needs adults with prizes and dinner.
- Hosted socials for Henry County Parks and Recreation Special Olympics
- Hosted a Lonestar concert party for 90 people with dinner pre-party and private meet and greet with Lonestar before the Concert in Fayetteville, Ga
- Hosted a Duck-Derby Party in Atlanta with lunch and a day at Atlantic Station with Special Olympics GA
- Purchased a special needs wheelchair for Blaze Sports
- Participate in two county Christmas parades a year and construct a float for the winners to ride on
- These activities help to improve social skills for people with special needs who may otherwise be isolated.
Who:
The pageant is open to special needs people in the surrounding metro area including Henry, Clayton, Rockdale, Spalding, Fayette, and Butts County .
Age groups this year include teens 13-19 and adults 20 and up.
Cost:
The pageant is free to the contestants, we just ask that they sell at least 10 tickets each to family and friends.
Other:
Parents or relatives must provide transportation to and from the events.
Contact information:
For more information on this unique pageant, please email the Directors at peoplefirstofhenrycounty@yahoo.com
