By Kirk Kern
Special Olympics is a big part of the McCullough family’s Skye Canyon household.
Christine McCullough has competed in various Special Olympics events for more than 40 years and she has a drawer full of medals to prove it.
Sister Tammy McCullough is an officer for the new Nevada chapter of the organization.
“I’ve met a lot of friends and coaches,” Christine says of her years competing since she was 10 years old. “It inspires me a lot and really motivates me.”
Special Olympics goes year-round with different events taking place at different times of year, and Christine is there for it all. She competes in track and field, bocce, bowling, golf, swimming and flag football.
Track and field, along with swimming and bocce take place in June. Once those seasons end, then bowling starts through August. Then flag football from August through October and golf from September through November. There’s a couple months off until basketball in January through March.
“I don’t really have a favorite event,” said Christine, although she admits her best events are in track and field. In 2019, Christine was nominated for Team USA and participated in track and field in Abu Dhabi. She competed in the relay events and the shot put
During the track and field season, Christine does training every Saturday at the fields, and can often be found at the Skye Center fitness center.
Tammy McCullough, who works as a Realtor, has supported her sister’s Special Olympics endeavors since both were young traveling around the country as her father was in the military. She said they spent a lot of time at Edwards Air Force base in Southern California. Tammy said in the 1980s, a lot of Special Olympic events took place on military bases.
Special Olympics Nevada just became its own organization at the beginning of 2024. Prior to that, it was under the umbrella of the Special Olympics of Northern California.
“We have a good number of athletes but we’re always looking to build,” said Tammy, who is the secretary of the organization. “We were under the Northern California umbrella for so long. Now, we’re looking to build the name and the brand for the state of Nevada. But we are getting more athletes. We’re getting more attention. We’re reaching down into the school districts.”
Special Olympics Nevada is always looking for volunteers to help out with organizing events, helping set up the venues. Those interested can visit SONV.org to apply.
The McCulloughs moved to Skye Canyon in 2016, when the community first opened.
“We had always lived in the northwest, but we saw the plans and it was perfect.”
Tammy said she loves the close-knit aspect of Skye Canyon living. She said she knows everyone who lives in her subdivision.
“You know, you meet your neighbors, you hang out with them, and it’s just cool,” said Tammy, adding it’s a regular occurrence for her and neighbors to meet up at the Smith’s bar. “People actually do hang out at that spot. Some of our neighbors say, ‘Hey, we’re bored. We’re gonna head over there if anybody wants to join us.
“You end up with a table of like eight people, just randomly.”
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