HDSB students participate in 38th annual Special Athletics Track Meet on June 13

Students from the Halton District School Board (HDSB) will participate in the 38th annual Special Athletics Track Meet on Friday, June 13, 2025 at Garth Webb Secondary School (2820 Westoak Trails Blvd, Oakville). The event will take place from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., with opening ceremonies beginning at 10 a.m. and the closing parade starting at 1 p.m. 

The Special Athletics Track Meet brings together students with diverse physical and developmental abilities from across HDSB schools to take part in a variety of track and field activities in a supportive and inclusive environment. The event includes 100 metre races, basketball, T-ball, soccer, bowling, obstacle courses, a bean bag toss and additional sensory stations.

More than 450 athletes are expected to participate in-person, a significant increase from the original 12 athletes who participated when the event began in 1987. Coaches, school staff and home school peers, friends, family members and volunteers will be in attendance to provide support and encouragement for the athletes.

The event offers students with special education needs an opportunity to participate in athletic activities, demonstrate their skills and celebrate their successes with the community. The Optimist Clubs of Halton Hills, Milton, Oakville and Burlington will be providing hot dogs, hamburgers and cold drinks. Student volunteers from Emily Carr Public School will assist with event support.

Note to the Media: Please RSVP to Sommer Sweetman, Communications Officer at communications@hdsb.ca to help expedite your visit on the day of the event. 

Quotes
“Every year, the Special Athletics Track Meet offers a meaningful opportunity for students with diverse abilities to come together to connect with peers, showcase their skills and have fun,” says Curtis Ennis, Director of Education for the HDSB. “The energy, teamwork and joy that fill the day are a direct result of the collaboration between students, staff, families and volunteers, and a reflection of our commitment to providing inclusive learning environments, as outlined in our 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan. We can’t wait to cheer on our amazing students as they excel and show what’s possible when everyone is given the opportunity to participate, grow and thrive.” ​​

HDSB 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan
The 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan sets direction and prioritizes the collective actions of all students, staff, families and community members. This plan ensures our efforts as an organization are aligned and coordinated to support more than 67,000 students, 11,000 staff and the broader HDSB community. The six commitments identified in this four-year plan intersect and overlap to ensure that we take a cohesive approach to fulfilling its objectives.

Background resources
2024 Special Athletics Track Meet Recap