Special Athletes Track Meet celebrates
a successful 23rd year

To view pictures set to music of the track meet, click below:
http://www.hdsb.ca/library/videos/SpecAth2010.mpg
Photos by Jason Misner, Communications Officer, HSDB staff

June 11, 2010

On June 4, students from the Halton District School Board participated in the annual Special Athletes’ Track Meet – a longtime annual tradition many people look forward to.

Students and their families, as well as Halton District School Board staff, had a fantastic time as sunny, warm weather made the day all that more enjoyable. The all-day track meet took place at Nelson Stadium in Burlington.

In its 23rd year, the Special Athletes Track Meet has become a Halton tradition that integrates a competition for athletes with physical challenges concurrently with a junior track meet for the Burlington area schools. 

It has grown from 12 students first participating 23 years ago to 130 students, with a variety of physical challenges, from 43 Halton elementary schools taking part in this year’s event.

The day started cloudy but sunshine soon prevailed as the event began with the reading of the Athletes' Oath by three students from the Life Skills Class at McKenzie-Smith Bennett School in Acton.

The special athletes’ events included running races, distance and precision throws, a slalom event for students with wheelchairs, T-ball, bocce plus beanbag, softball and frisbee throws.

Athletes also took part in the four-person team relay and the 50-metre assisted roll for students with wheelchairs.

Students cheered loudly for each other throughout the meet, and parents and school staff and volunteers relished in the fun the special athletes had.

Coaches, school staff, friends, family members and volunteers provide support and encouragement for the athletes. This event provides special athletes with an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and celebrate their successes with everyone.

“This is always a great day for teachers, educational assistants, Student Services staff and parents to come out and greet old friends, support our special kids, and be so inspired by the joy on the faces of the students and their determination in setting and meeting goals,” says Susan Pritchard, Special Education Coordinator with the Halton District School Board, adding she’s thankful for the support of educators to hold the track meet. “While we do this for the kids, we always say that we get so much out of this when we see the smiles on the faces of the students, their joy in their collection of ribbons and their pride in completing a task they've worked hard to accomplish.”

Mark Wickens, former Halton District School Board administrator and a key track meet volunteer, says the organizing committee for the event is top notch.

“This is a committee that is one of the most amazing committees in Halton. They are the kind of team that you give tasks, they get them done and ask if there is anything more to do,” he says. “They are a well-polished team.”