Special Olympics athletes enjoy working outdoors

Posted 9/23/20

Special Olympics athlete John Howell was born in West Palm Beach, went to Okeechobee High School and graduated in 1992. He is a lifelong resident of Okeechobee.

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Special Olympics athletes enjoy working outdoors

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OKEECHOBEE — Special Olympics athlete John Howell was born in West Palm Beach, went to Okeechobee High School and graduated in 1992. He is a lifelong resident of Okeechobee. After High School, he went to The Okeechobee Rehabilitation Center, where he did numerous jobs such as working in the nursery and with the sod crew, but his favorite was working at the recycling center, where he met Bernard Marker.

The two became the best of friends, and after the center closed, Marker became a caregiver for John and has worked with him for 27 years. John likes to stay busy by helping out his family. He loves cooking and doing yard work for them. The past year has been rough for John, because along with the pandemic, he lost his big sister and his mother. He’s very grateful to have his little sister and her husband to lean on at such a rough patch in his life. John is a bowler in Special Olympics. He was unable to participate in the last season due to an illness in the family but can’t wait until bowling starts again so he can get back on the lanes.

James Kennedy was not only born in Okeechobee, he was born at home, delivered by his grandmother. They lived about 10 miles out State Road 70 West, said his mom, Cheryl Corwin, and she called her mom at work to tell her she thought she was having the baby. By the time her mom made it home, there was no time to get to the hospital. “My mom had six kids, though, so she knew what she was doing,” laughed Corwin. He was born on Dec. 24, 1986. “He was my Christmas present.” James has two brothers, one older and one younger.

His favorite teacher in school was Mr. Ingram at the Okeechobee High School. His favorite subject was math, but he never cared much for science. After he graduated, he went to the ARC for a while and worked in the thrift store for a short time. He enjoyed his time there and said he likes meeting new people. Some of his favorite people are his friends at the Social Butterfly group, particularly Tracy Nipper, one of the caregivers, and Greg Myers.

James participated in Special Stars and in Special Olympics and enjoys all of the events but said his favorite is the softball throw.

Lately, he has been spending his time working in the yard, using a weedeater, and they recently planted a garden. They planted watermelon, long beans, etc., and he is excited to watch his plants grow.

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about Special Olympics, contact Bernard Marker 863-801-3393 or check online at okeechobeeinfo@sofl.org or www.specialolympics.org/okeechobee

Bernard Marker, a member of Okeechobee County Special Olympics management team, contributed to this story.

special olympics, john howell

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