HDSB students participate in 39th annual Special Athletics Track Meet on June 12

May 21, 2026 - Students from the Halton District School Board (HDSB) will participate in the 39th annual Special Athletics Track Meet on Friday, June 12, 2026 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 participate in a variety of track and field activities in a supportive and welcoming environment. The event includes 100 metre races, basketball, T-ball, soccer, bowling, obstacle courses, a bean bag toss and additional sensory stations.

More than 620 athletes are registered, marking a substantial increase from the 12 athletes who took part when the event was first launched 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 Oodenawi Public School Drumline will be performing during the parade and will run a drumming activity station. The Optimist Clubs of Halton Hills, Milton, Oakville and Burlington will be providing a barbeque lunch. Student volunteers from Emily Carr Public School will assist with event support.

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

Quotes

“The HDSB Special Athletics Track Meet is an annual event that provides an incredible opportunity for students to come together, build connections with peers, showcase their talents and have fun,” says Curtis Ennis, Chief Executive Officer for the HDSB. “The excitement, teamwork and joy that define this event are made possible through the collaboration and support of students, staff, families and volunteers. This event reflects our ongoing commitment to creating welcoming and supportive environments where all students can succeed, as outlined in our Multi-Year Strategic Plan. We look forward to coming together as a community to cheer on our amazing students as they demonstrate their skills and show what’s possible when every student is given the opportunity and support to participate 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

2025 Special Athletics Track Meet Recap

For additional information, contact: Amy Mejia, Communications Specialist

communications@hdsb.ca | 905-335-3663, Toll free: 1-877-618-3456