GUELPH – The 20th Special Olympics Track and Field Day will be at St. James Catholic High School on May 15, with over 700 athletes and peer coaches from 60 schools competing in track and field and adaptive events.
“We are so excited to welcome participants from both Wellington Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) and Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB),” said WCDSB special education resource teacher and Special Olympics committee member Nicole Hearn.
“Our motto is ‘20 Years of Endless Inspiration.’ It is an extraordinary accomplishment to be at this point and we cannot wait to celebrate two decades of this event.”
The Special Olympics Track and Field Day is a partnership between the WCDSB, the UGDSB, Ontario Special Olympics, Community Living Guelph/Wellington, Guelph Police and the City of Guelph.
“This is a favourite day for students, staff and the community,” said UGDSB Special Olympics committee member Michelle Kearley.
She expressed appreciation to pianist Kara Shaw, piper Peter Hummel and Godfrey McNamee and the Pigeon Club, “who have been part of the opening ceremonies for many years.
“Also, we are honoured that two members of the original committee … Sonja Holmes and Steve Redmond will be acting as honorary marshalls.”
Participants will compete in 50m, 100m and 200m races, standing/running long jump and softball throw, as well as adaptive events for those with physical challenges which include obstacle course, basketball shooting, they shoot/they score, T-ball, popbottle bowling and a 40m walk/run.
“Although the top athletes will be recognized for their efforts in the different events, everyone comes away feeling like a winner,” Hearn said.
“I know our WCDSB representatives have been practicing lots and are looking forward to showing off their ability,” said UGDSB Special Olympics track and field committee member Erin Leslie.
“Student-athletes take pride in demonstrating skills and representing their schools, the goal of the day is to provide everyone with an opportunity to do just that.”
Well over one hundred volunteers make this day possible, including a planning committee which consists of representatives from the UGDSB, WCDSB, Special Olympics Ontario, community agencies and community members.
“Best of luck to everyone! Have fun, and remember, ‘Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt!” Leslie said.
The opening ceremony will start at 10am at St. James CHS.
All are welcome to attend and cheer on the student-athletes.
