FVHS hosted its second Special Olympics Oct. 14 from 10:30-12:00 at Bengal Stadium. This year, FVHS hosted two other Wake County schools—Apex and Holly Springs. The Special Olympics are held to celebrate students in special education classes and their athletic skills.This year, they had more athletes than ever before, with a total of around 80 competitors, with Holly Springs and Apex contributing 25 each, and FVHS contributing a total of 30 athletes.
The event began with something that all olympics need: the torch run. This year, the torch runners were accompanied by police officers from Fuquay-Varina and Raleigh.
“Annually, more than 110,000 dedicated and compassionate law enforcement members carry the ‘Flame of Hope,’ symbolizing courage and the celebration of diversity, uniting communities around the globe,” according to Special Olympics NC, via SONC.net. “Here in North Carolina, nearly 2,000 law enforcement personnel support the NC LETR annually.”
Immediately following the torch run, Jack Meyer from Holly Springs sang the national anthem, and Westley Jerome from FVHS led the athletes in the Special Olympics Athlete’s Oath.
The athletes competed in three soccer-based events, the running kick, dribbling and shooting. The running kick had each competitor kick four balls out of a circle of cones as fast as possible, dribbling had the athletes maneuver a ball through a complex course of cones in as little time as possible and shooting had them try to score the most goals in five shots.
Many different groups came together to be able to make this event happen, but the biggest help was from the Physical Education Pupil Instructor (PEPI) class. PEPI serves as an opportunity for students to teach athletics to elementary schoolers, as well as special education students.
These volunteers played many roles in the success of the Special Olympics, the biggest of which was making sure all of the athletes had a great experience.
“It went great, and I think everyone had a great time. I think it’s a great opportunity for special education students,” said junior PEPI student Ben Cole, who volunteered to manage the running kick event.
After all of the events had ended, every athlete was awarded a ribbon for their hard work during the events, and smiles were seen across the board.
