A very special event will be happening in early April for some incredibly gifted athletes.
An impressive list of former Auburn football stars are coming to Northview High School on Thursday, April 7, in a fundraising effort for the Dothan Special Olympics Volleyball team.
They will represent the United States at the World Championship Games in Athens, Greece this June.
Recent Auburn players from the 2010 BCS National Championship team such as Kodi Burns, Troy's Zac Etheridge, Desmond Washington, Zac Clayton, Neil Caudle and Bart Eddins will be joined at the event by past stars Jackie Burkett, Lloyd Nix, Tommy Lorino, Tommie Agee, Harold Morrow and current starting linebacker Will Herring of the 2010 NFC West champion Seattle Seahawks for an exhibition volleyball match with the Dothan Special Olympians and an autograph signing session.
Several local celebrities and public officials will be facing members a local Special Olympics volleyball team from Dothan that will be representing the United States this summer.
Tickets for "Champions Helping Champions"
will be $5. Children 6 years old and under will be admitted free. The autograph session will be held from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. for ticket holders, followed by a Special Olympics torch run then the game.
Advance tickets are on sale at the Dothan Department of Leisure Services office located in the first floor of the Dothan Civic Center and also be purchased the night of the Northview High School Gymnasium.
Northview Athletics Director Wayne White said he's excited about his school hosting this special event.
"Obviously, we're proud of our students and the accomplishments they've achieved,"
White said. "This is a fundraiser for our special students to go overseas. We're so fortunate and very thankful for everyone that is participating in this event. It's something that's done on a daily basis. This is very special. These students hold a special place in our hearts. We're proud of them. It's a great opportunity for Mrs. (Barbie) Nelson and all she does for them. It brings joy to everybody who has a chance to do this."
Northview head softball coach Jessica Noble, who also teaches a special education class, said she's looking forward to a great time.
"It's very exciting,"
Noble said. "We're excited that some of our students are on the team representing the USA going to Greece. It's very exciting. We're proud of them."
Noble said having former Auburn football players from different eras bring another level of excitement to the special volleyball game.
"It's good they're excited about something,"
Noble said. "It's good to know they're accomplishing something. I'm proud of them."
