Board members and volunteers with the Beaufort/Hyde Special Olympics are gearing up for a different type of fundraiser that will allow the nonprofit to host its annual spring games.

A course for those seeking concealed-carry permits will be offered three times over the next three months, thanks to Daryl Williams, an instructor with Roanoke-Chowan Conceal Carry. A percentage of the proceeds of those event will be donated to the local Special Olympics program, according to Sara Boykin-Benish, former local coordinator and board member for the nonprofit.

“(Williams) does it because he loves to do fundraisers for nonprofit programs,” Benish said. “Having the opportunity to meet people like Daryl, who just genuinely care about nonprofit programs, is a great opportunity. He doesn’t have a special needs person in his life; he just cares about (people with special needs), genuinely. It’s a blessing to have people like him in the world and in our community, who donate their time, finances, resources and other things to help others.”

Each all-day course, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., can accommodate 25 participants and includes instruction and target-shooting opportunities, according to Boykin-Benish. Participants must pass a written exam and a shooting certification. Volunteers and Special Olympics athletes will serve lunch, courtesy of Pizza Inn, to participants.

Boykin-Benish said the proceeds will help fund the organization’s spring games in late April, an event that most athletes train for all year. The money raised through the courses will also go toward funding other sports programs the organization runs such as its bowling team, ski team and others.

“For most of our athletes, the spring games means the world to them,” Boykin-Benish said. “They train throughout the year at their schools and centers for this one-day, multifaceted event. It’s extremely important to have this program. It allows the opportunity for athletes of ages 8 and older to compete and gain confidence, independence and have fun with their friends.”

All materials for the courses will be provided, according to Boykin-Benish. However, participants should be sure to bring their driver’s license. The course costs $75 per person and will be held Jan. 9, Feb. 20 and March 19. Spots are first come, first served and are filling up fast. The course will be held at Chocowinity Fire Department.

If any group or organization is interested in volunteering for the Beaufort/Hyde Special Olympics in April, or signing up for the concealed-carry permit courses, call Sara Boykin-Benish at 252-945-7344 or email at twns2jandj@yahoo.com.