FVHS held their Special Olympics event Tuesday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the football field with participation from two other schools in the area, Cary High School and Green Hope High School. The Special Olympics is an annual occasion in which students in special education classes compete in multiple skill stations. Around 70 students from all three schools participated in the Special Olympics.
The event kicked off with the torch run, where local police officers and special education students carried the Flame of Hope, a symbol of inclusion and acceptance at Special Olympics events everywhere.
“We get to give them an opportunity to really shine and show off everything they’ve been learning in their classes,” said senior Isaac Reyna, one of the FVHS students helping with the event.
The students participated in three major skill stations related to soccer, including dribbling, shooting and running kick. Peers, teachers and volunteers cheered every student on from the sidelines, creating a positive and supportive atmosphere.
Many volunteers helped with the event, both FVHS students and adults alike. Many of the student helpers are a part of the Physical Education Pupil Instructor (P.E.P.I.) elective at school that allows students a chance to help teach athletics to young children and special education students. Event volunteers set up and kept track of events, but most importantly, they ensured that the special education students had fun.
The significance of the Special Olympics does not go unnoticed here at school. This event gives students who may not be able to participate in many of the usual extracurricular activities a place to experience the same level of excitement and community. Allowing them a space to express themselves and have fun participating in physical activities creates an environment that lets them feel more happy and accepted.
“It makes them feel included,” said junior Daria Decesari, one of these student volunteers. “It really helps create a positive community here at our school.”
