Sophia, a Reagan High School student and member of the Peer Assistance Leadership and Service Club (PALS) says that helping out at the Special Olympics makes her feel like she really is making a difference. Not only was she assisting her Alternative Learning Environment (ALE) Olympian, but she was also able to cheer on her sister Valentina who was competing in the games for Bush Middle School.
“Being able to volunteer at this event makes me feel like I am being there and present for the kids who really need it,” said Sophia. “I also get to cheer on my sister, so it’s pretty great.”
Approximately, 850 North East ISD Special Olympic athletes participated in the annual Special Olympics Track Meet at the Heroes Stadium Monday, April 23. The opening ceremony featured the Pledge of Allegiance, the Special Olympics Athletes Oath and the Star Spangled Banner.
“This is an exciting event we do each year to showcase our students’ abilities, not their disabilities,” said Gerard Cortez, Executive Director of Special Education. “It is a competitive environment filled with a lot of enthusiasm on the part of students and staff.”
The event celebrated students by giving them the opportunity to compete in track and field events including the 100-meter run, standing long jump and softball throw. The excited parents and guests who attended could be seen and heard cheering from the stands and the sidelines.
“Every square inch of this field and track are being used today,” said Terri Grundy, Special Olympics Program Coordinator. “There is a lot of planning to prepare for this event. Approximately 850 athletes are present, with about 850 PALs assisting and all the additional volunteers who help. We are at about 2000 individuals that make this a wonderful event so special for our athletes.”
This annual event is rich with passion and support, and full of high-fives, smiles and athletes with a determined commitment to get to the finish line.
