It鈥檚 the 20th anniversary of the Special Olympics in Wellington County, and the event this year is set for May 15 at Guelph鈥檚 St. James Catholic High School.
More than 700 athletes of all ages and peer coaches from 60 schools will compete in adaptive track and field events at , the Wellington Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) and the Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) said in a joint press release.
鈥淲e are so excited to welcome participants from both Wellington Catholic District School Board and Upper Grand District School Board to St. James CHS in May,鈥 said Nicole Hearn, WCDSB special education resource teacher and event committee member. 鈥淭his year our motto is 鈥20 Years of Endless Inspiration,鈥 it is an extraordinary accomplishment to be at this point and we cannot wait to celebrate two decades of this event within Wellington County.鈥
The event fosters a partnership between the school boards, Ontario Special Olympics, Community Living Guelph/Wellington, the 撸奶社区Police Service and the City of Guelph.
Michelle Kearley, UGDSB Special Olympics committee member, said this event is a favourite day for students, staff and the whole community. It provides an opportunity for people to come together from all parts of Wellington County and Dufferin County.
Participants will compete in 50 m, 100 m and 200 m 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, pop bottle bowling and a 40-metre walk/run, said the press release.
鈥淎lthough the top athletes will be recognized for their efforts in the different events, everyone comes away feeling like a winner,鈥 said Hearn.
She said that students work hard and take pride in demonstrating their skills and representing their schools at the event.
鈥淚 would like to recognize three very dedicated people who have been part of the opening ceremonies for many years. Thank you to Kara Shaw, our pianist, Peter Hummel, our piper, and Godfrey McNamee and the Pigeon Club,鈥 said Kearley. 鈥淎lso, we are honoured that two members of the original committee, who started this event, will be joining us May 15, Sonja Holmes and Steve Redmond, who will be acting as honorary marshals.鈥
The day is made possible with the assistance of more than 100 volunteers.
The opening ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. at St. James. Everyone is welcome to come and cheer on the student-athletes, said the press release. In case of rain, the event will be held on May 16.
For more information about the Special Olympics, visit .
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