Special Olympics

Hair salons, massage therapists
treat Special Olympics athletes

By Gary Bégin
The Wenatchee business community came together to cheer on hundreds of Special Olympic athletes early last month at the Wenatchee Convention Center. They were feted, danced and had hair, nails and massages to applaud just how special they really are. The athletes came from all over the North Central Washington area and also participated in games and were awarded "pirate rings" as part of the themed event.
According to Tonya Pygott, owner of A Shear Obsession salon, 404 S. Chelan Ave., "The Winner's Circle salon was named by the first group of Special Olympic volunteers. It is a group of hairdressers and volunteers throughout the valley that come together to work as a team for the athletes. The Winner's Circle Salon is sponsored by Rusk, CosmoProf and A Shear Obsession Salon."
Pygott has been the "ringleader" of this group of compassionate and dedicated hair and nail professionals and volunteers for the last three years and before that served meals at the annual banquet for 10 years.
"Our main focus is to provide a professional, team united experience for all of the athletes prior to the dance. Our sole purpose is to make them feel special, and important," Pygott said.
"It takes months of work and planning to put this event together, but the satisfaction we get from working on the athletes is worth every minute!"
Pygott said she was inspired to volunteer doing hair and nails because "I saw a need for a professional, positive influence for these athletes."