On Friday, May 31, 2024, about 170 secondary students with special needs showed their athletic talents and had a lot of fun while competing in the York Catholic District School Board’s (YCDSB) Special Olympics Track and Field Event at St. Theresa of Lisieux Catholic High School in Richmond Hill, Ont.
It was perfect weather for the students representing 15 of the YCDSB’s secondary schools to participate in several sports, including the 50-metre run, 100 m and 4 X 100 m relay, 50 m wheelchair, hurdles, bowling, shotput, basketball/bean bag toss, standing long jump, among others.
Karen Brockest, vice principal of St. Theresa of Lisieux, notes that participating students have been excited for this event for weeks, often checking in with teachers to let them know what sports they will participate in.
“The students get a chance to celebrate not only with each other but with their whole peer group in the school. To see people coming out and supporting them and cheering them on, is so meaningful for them,” said Brockest. “It helps them to feel included in our community because they are such an important part of our community.”
For Michelle Kim, YCDSB consultant for special education and an organizer of the track and field event, this is among her favourite days of the year.
“I love working together with our colleagues just to make sure we have the most fun day for our student-athletes,” says Kim. “The focus is all on them. On friendship and sport. And all the work that goes into the whole event is nothing compared to seeing the smiles on their faces.”
Diana Candido, Superintendent of Education: Exceptional Learners, sees this as an important day to give exceptional learners an opportunity to shine and to use their God-given talents. The day is also very meaningful for the educators who work with these students.
“We are looking at what our students can do and what they offer to the world,” said Candido. “And so, for educators to be here today and to see all of their work come to fruition in the smiles of these children as they go through these events is really what we’re about here at York Catholic.”
The YCDSB Special Olympics Track and Field Event was organized in partnership with Special Olympics Ontario. It was a day that highlighted what special athletes can do, and both students and adults will remember it for years to come.
