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...For Chris White, attending Shriners’ events every year has special meaning.
The 20-year-old Armuchee resident was born with spinal bifida, and when he was 6, the local Rome Shrine Club helped him get transportation to hospitals in Atlanta, finding things he needed like braces and wheelchairs, and served as a sort of support group for him.
“It’s been 12 years, and I haven’t had to go back, but I’m watching my brother play,” he said. “It feels good to help them, and I go to every one of their events each year.”
White was just one of the area residents at this year’s events, which included the football game between rivals Armuchee and Coosa as well as an afternoon parade.
Click here for a video of the event.
Click here for a SnapHappy photo gallery from the event.
Kathy McReynolds said s
Shrine cyclists wave to the crowd during the annual Shrine Parade down Broad Street. William T. Martin /RN-T |
he loved the clowns in the parade and also attended the game with her family.
“The parade was good,” she said, “and we go to the game every year.”
J.D. Earwood said he liked all the vehicles cruising down the road the best.
“I liked all of them,” said the Armuchee fan.
Jerry Collins, president of the local Shrine club, said this year’s parade drew a crowd of about 2,000 people.
Early Saturday evening, Collins said he was particularly excited about the night’s game because Matthew Gouvernor from South Africa, who the local chapter helped, was going to walk out to the field on his new prosthesis.
“He was missing his leg from the knee down,” said Collins. “We do a lot of local, but we try to help all over.”
Shriner’s is an international charitable club that provides funds for orthopedic and burn victims and their families.
The Rome Shrine Club has sponsored the game and parade for 60 years to help raise funds.
