Anderson County Special Populations

Community Accessibility

We are dedicated to providing community accessibility and enriching the lives of those with intellectual disabilities through recreational and leisure activities through Area 14 Special Olympics and the Rainbow Gang.

Anderson County Special Populations

Community Accessibility

Area 14 Special Olympics

The Anderson County Area 14 Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community. Special Olympics contributes to the social and psychological development of people with physical and intellectual challenges. Through successful experiences in sports, they gain confidence and build a positive self-image which carries over into the classroom, the job, and the community. Visit Area 14 Special Olympics of SC.

Rainbow Gang and Virtual Rainbow Gang

The Rainbow Gang is a free day program for adults with Intellectual Disabilities that is run and funded by Anderson County. We are a community leisure and activity-based program that strives to improve our participants’ quality of lives by offering evidence-based recreational therapy services.

Therapeutic Recreation Opportunities

There are therapeutic recreation practicum opportunities available.

Please email Kathy Schofield lkschofield@andersoncountysc.org for more information.

For Internship Opportunities please click the links below.

Internship Information

Internship Application

Virtual Rainbow Gang

The Virtual Rainbow Gang is a free virtual program for adults with Intellectual Disabilities. We are a virtual leisure and activity-based program that strives to improve our participants’ quality of lives by offering evidence-based recreational therapy services.

Please email Kathy Schofield lkschofield@andersoncountysc.org to apply.

Volunteer with Area 14-Special Olympics

Volunteers are the backbone of the Special Olympics. We would not exist without you! Whether you want to volunteer for a single day’s event, several hours a week, or year-round, we have a place for you. Visit our website for more information.

Email Us

Volunteer with the Rainbow Gang

If you wish to volunteer with The Rainbow Gang day program, please contact Ms. Kathy Schofield, Program Director at: (864) 260-4142 or Rainbowgang@andersoncountysc.org.

Email Us

Come Dream With Me

The Come Dream With Me Prom is for individuals of all ages with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities.

Date: Friday, May 22, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Anderson Civic Center
Please note: Doors will open at 5:45 PM.

2026 Ticket Registration

2026 CDWMP Tshirt Order

This is a special needs beauty pageant, for males and females that will shine a light on the beauty of each contestant.

2026 Practice: Wednesday February 11 at 5:30p

2026 Event: Thursday February 12th, doors open at 6pm

Anderson County Civic Center: 3027 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Anderson, SC 29625

Tickets are $15 Cash at the door.

Staff

Kathy Schofield
Program Director

Kathy Schofield was born and raised in Tucker, GA. She has called Anderson, SC home since 2015. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation; Community Leisure Services at Georgia Southern University. She holds Masters of Recreation Management from Clemson University. In her free time, she enjoys working on her small farm, watching football and baseball, and being outdoors. She loves her job and says that the spontaneity of the participants keeps her day to day very exciting.

Tessa Hilley
Assistant Program Director/ Co-Area Director Area 14 Anderson County Special Olympics

Tessa Hilley was born and raised in Fort Payne, Alabama and currently resides in Starr, Sc. Tessa has worked in the education field for 17 years working with many different ages and diversities. She is married and has three children who are all currently serving in the United States Military. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and traveling. She is excited for the opportunity to work with the Special population and the constant joy they bring to her life.

Maranda Chitwood
Rainbow Gang Program Coordinator/County Coordinator Area 14 Anderson County Special Olympics

Maranda was born in Greenville, SC but has live in Anderson for most of her life. She is married with 3 kids, a daughter in law and 2 dogs. She has work experience in management and customer service. Her passion of teaching for the last 10 year lead her love of special populations. She enjoys spending quality time with family and friends. She loves music, animals and helping others.

Molly White
Virtual Rainbow Gang Program Coordinator

Molly White was born and raised in Anderson, SC but currently reside in Greenville, SC. My husband Eli currently plays professional baseball so we are constantly on the move. My one-year-old daughter Eleanor is my little side-kick and loves to watch daddy play. Upon graduating from Clemson University I worked in-person for Anderson County as the Assistant Program Director/ Co-Area Director Area 14 Anderson County Special Olympics. I am grateful to be able to still serve individuals with disabilities virtually during this season of our lives. My simple pleasures include a morning cup of coffee, long walks and spending time with family.

In the Media

Rainbow Gang Fun

Channel 7 News Feature

Clemson Blog for Parks, Recreation and Tourism

Anderson County TV RBG Partners with the Anderson County Arts Center

Clemson University PRTM Outstanding Alumni Award

Anderson Independent It’s okay to be yourself

Community Photos

Logan's Cops Working for Peanuts

Area 14 Special Olympics TD Fundraiser

Special Olympics National Swimming Championships