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Fathers show support during Ludowici walk-a-thon
1003 Fatherhood walk
State Rep. Al Williams, D-Midway, Long County Sheriff Craig Nobles and Head Start policy council representative Kenneth Royer lead the way Friday for the Long County Fatherhood Walk-A-Thon. - photo by Mikee Riddle

The Long County Fatherhood Walk-A-Thon on Friday in Ludowici drew plenty of dads and even a few moms. About 70 people — including Rep. Al Williams, D-Midway — gathered for the event, which was conducted by the Long County Head Start program.

“Children who have fathers take an active part in their lives have a much higher chance of being successful than those kids who don’t,” Williams said. “That is why it is so important for fathers to be a part of raising their children. It is nice to see this many men out here today taking part in this walk. Head Start is such an important program, and one that I have always been a big supporter of.”

Ray Jones, who walked with his 4-year-old son Julius, agreed with Williams’ theory.

“The majority of the time, when there is an event for the kids, you see mothers go be a part of it, but it definitely is important for us fathers to come out and be a part of our children’s lives too,” Jones said.

Long County resident Marcus DeLoach, who escorted his 3-year-old grandson Hunter DeLoach, also voiced support for the program.

“This is a great activity, and Head Start is a good program,” he said. “Besides being a daycare for so many families, it also provides a learning experience for the kids who come down here.”

Williams said 2013 will mark the Head Start program’s 50th anniversary, and he plans on participating in the celebration.

“President Johnson started the Head Start program in Texas, and next year is its 50th anniversary,” he said. “It’s a great program, and I will always be a supporter of it.”

Long County Head Start policy council representative Kenneth Royer and Long County Sheriff Craig Nobles also attended the walk-a-thon.

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