NATCHEZ — Ricky Warren is not just the finance manager for the Area 7 Special Olympics, he’s a father of a special-needs child.

Warren knows first hand what it’s like to want to have his son, Chandler, feel as normal as possible, and it starts with the Special Olympics.

“Just being able to watch these special athletes do things they didn’t think they could normally do and reach goals they didn’t think possible (is great),” Warren said. “These kids don’t have a chance to participate in high school sports, and it gives them a chance to participate on their own level.”

The Area 7 Special Olympics consist of Adams, Franklin, Jefferson and Wilkinson counties, and Warren said six athletes from the area have been nominated to compete in the National Special Olympics in Newark, N.J., June 13-21.

In order for the athletes to compete in the state games May 9 and national games in June, Warren said he is hoping for a big turnout in the annual Special Olympics area 7 benefit golf tournament Saturday.

“Each area in Mississippi is responsible to raise the funds to operate, so this is our way of raising the money,” Warren said. “(The money raised has) been very significant. Every year we raise enough to take care of the entire year. This year is really special because we have a few kids going to nationals. So hopefully we’ll raise a bigger number for that.”

The golf tournament is a four-man scramble, and it tees off at 8:30 a.m. at Duncan Park.

The cost is $300 a team and includes 2 mulligans per player. Hole Sponsors are $100 or $50 with team lunch, refreshments and several door prizes.

There will also be a ball drop for a chance to win $3,000 cash or $500 second prize. Only 350 tickets will be sold at $20 each.

For more information and ball drop tickets call Warren at 601-597-4724.