The Opportunity Center of Owensboro will host its first-ever “We’ve Got Talent Too” showcase today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its location on Byers Avenue. Organizers say the event will highlight the talents of individuals with disabilities and feature 25 acts performed by 44 participants, ranging in age from their 20s to their 80s.
Amanda Alexander, program manager at the Opportunity Center, said the event is about celebrating abilities that are often overlooked.
“Everybody has a hidden talent, but a lot of people don’t see the talents of our population,” she said. “This is an opportunity to show that they’ve got talent too.”
Participants will perform a wide variety of acts, including singing, dancing, comedy, and even a karate routine. Alexander shared that a recent dress rehearsal revealed just how talented the performers are, with many individuals showing marked improvement through consistent practice.
The Opportunity Center is partnering with Active Day, Bridges of Kentucky, Commonwealth Connections, the Green River Area Down Syndrome Association, Puzzle Pieces, Strategic Partnerships, To The Max Behavior Therapy, and Wendell Foster on the event.
The judges for the event will come from various parts of the community, and they will not be affiliated with the organizations involved to ensure impartiality. First through fifth place will receive trophies, and all participants will be awarded medals. The grand champion will also receive a special trophy.
Alexander noted that the idea for the event stemmed from a desire to showcase the talents of individuals with disabilities. She previously organized a Spring Fling that grew into a significant event and hopes that “We’ve Got Talent Too” will follow suit.
Though initially hesitant to open the event to the public, Alexander said they have decided to welcome guests, especially after seeing the participants’ excitement during rehearsals.
“They are super excited,” she said. “We’ve had people practicing every day during lunchtime, and some have mastered songs they didn’t know the words to before.”
For more information about the event, contact the Opportunity Center of Owensboro.
