Students shine at Special Olympics track and field event
Students from the Upper Grand and Wellington Catholic school boards compete in the annual event at St. James Catholic High School in Guelph
GUELPH – Though the skies were grey, students shone bright at the Special Olympics Track and Field Day at St. James Catholic High School in Guelph on May 13.
The event is a collaboration between the Upper Grand and Wellington Catholic District school boards (UGDSB and WCDSB) and Special Olympics Ontario.
Students in junior kindergarten through Grade 12 participated in a range of events including running races, standing long jump, running long jump, basketball and softball throw.
The student athletes were supported by peer helpers and many had groups of family members cheering them on from the sidelines.
“For over 20 years, this event has celebrated the incredible spirit of our athletes,” said UGDSB representative April King. “It’s a day that highlights perseverance, teamwork and joy.”
WCDSB representative Nicole Wilson said, “We are so excited to celebrate our athletes."
“We are grateful for the many staff, volunteers, families and community members who help make this day so special.”
A second Special Olympics Track and Field Day will take place at Orangeville District Secondary School for students in Dufferin and north Wellington on May 21 from 10:15am to 1:30pm.
May 22 is set for a rain date.
Between the two events, more than 1,500 athletes, peer coaches, staff and volunteers are expected to take part.
TOP LEFT: This group from St. Mary Catholic Elementary School in Elora was among those to compete in the Special Olympics Track and Field Day in Guelph on May 13. TOP CENTRE: Dawson Watson, in senior kindergarten at St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School in Fergus, scored a basket at the event. TOP RIGHT: A fan cheers on Olive Fitzgibbon from Aberfoyle Public School as she prepares to toss a ball into the basket. MIDDLE LEFT: It was a close race for Gavin Poschner, left and Emma Munrow from Centennial Collegiate Vocational Institute in Guelph. MIDDLE CENTRE: Centre Wellington District Secondary School student Lena Appleby. MIDDLE RIGHT: Rebekah Uzoagba from St. Mary Catholic Elementary School in Elora shows off her third place ribbon and a peace sign. ABOVE LEFT: Aliya Wilkes, right, was one of the athletes from St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School in Fergus. ABOVE RIGHT: Riley Britchford, centre, from St. Mary Catholic Elementary School in Elora had a group of supporters cheering him on during softball throw, including Finn Grabowski, left, and Carter Boire, right. Photos by Robin George
ABOVE LEFT: Dreary weather didn’t stop students from shining at a Special Olympics Track and Field event at St. James Catholic High School in Guelph on May 13. Athletes, peer helpers, teachers and families filled the field for the annual event, including this group from St. John Catholic Elementary School in Arthur. ABOVE CENTRE: Finn Morell, in Grade 3 at Alma Public School, said his favourite event at the Special Olympics track and field is the ball throw. ABOVE RIGHT: Alex Gates, in senior kindergarten at St. John Catholic Elementary School in Arthur, showed off his speed between events at the Special Olympics. Photos by Robin George
ABOVE LEFT: From left, Matteo Di Cintio, Miggy Cabalo and Lucas Kupfer from St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School in Fergus proudly held the school’s banner during the parade of athletes that kicked off the Special Olympics Track and Field Day on May 13. ABOVE RIGHT: From left, Ben Reynolds, Evie Hodder and Sophia Ryan carry the Victoria Terrace Vipers’ banner during the athletes’ parade. Photos by Robin George
