The Picayune Kiwanis Club is hosting two upcoming events in the community to raise awareness for individuals with special needs.

On Thursday, March 19 the club will sponsor the annual Special Olympics Field Day. The competitive event will start at 8 a.m. at Picayune Memorial High School’s football stadium.

“The Olympics provides several competitive events for special needs children and adults who wish to participate,” Ray Mitchell, the club’s president, said.

Qualified participants can register at their school or at their group home, Mitchell said.

During the event, the club will provide free hot dogs, hamburgers and soft drinks. Ribbons and metals will also be awarded to the competitors, Mitchell said.

The winners from each Olympic event will move on to compete in the Area III Special Olympics held at NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center.

In order to raise money for the Special Olympics and other charitable events throughout the year, the club holds their annual Special Olympics Golf Tournament, Mitchell said.

This year, the tournament will be held at the Millbrook Golf and Country Club on Friday, March 27.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. with tee time at 12:30 p.m.

The registration fee is $65, which includes lunch, drinks, green fees and a cart, Mitchell said.

He also said numerous prizes will be handed out during the event, including awards for first, second and third place winners.

During the event, there will also be a silent auction and the highest bidders will receive golf packages.

Mitchell encourages locals to participate in the green sponsorship portion of the event to help raise money for the club’s annual Special Olympics and other future events.

Mitchell said businesses and individuals can donate $100 to have a sign put up at the event to advertise their business or cause.

All of the proceeds go toward helping citizens in the community with special needs, he said.

For more information, contact Mitchell at (601) 590-4459.