Parks & Rec Named "Organization of Year"

The Clayton Parks & Recreation Department, long a supporter of Special Olympics programs, has been named "Outstanding Organization of the Year" by the North Carolina Special Olympics.

The award was presented to Director Larry Bailey by the Special Olympics' Capital Coast Area Director Andy Sumner during a ceremony at the Clayton Community Center.

The honor comes just weeks after Bailey was awarded the "Fellow Award" from the NC Recreation and Park Association, the highest honor the organization can give one of its members, in recognition of his leadership and high level of success over the years.

"We're fortunate to be recognized lately for what we've been doing over a long period of time," Bailey said. "It's a big honor, no question. It's always nice to be recognized on the state level."

The Parks & Recreation Department in nearby Smithfield was also honored.

Bailey's department also won similar awards last year from the Johnston County and Capital Coast Area Special Olympics organizations.

"Our Department has worked with the Special Olympics quite a bit over the years," Bailey said.

In addition to providing facilities for practice and competition in basketball, volleyball and Bocci, the department organized and coached the County's first Special Olympics soccer teams.