ATTLEBORO -- Superintendent David Sawyer and the Attleboro Public Schools are pleased to share that Brennan Middle School and Attleboro High School hosted a Special Olympics event for students on Monday, May 20, at the Attleboro High School track.
The Special Olympics is the world's largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, providing year-round training and activities to 5 million participants and partners in 172 countries.
About 115 student-athletes and unified partners from Brennan Middle School and Attleboro High School participated in unified track and field events, meaning that students with and without disabilities competed together.
Teams were led by Assistant Director of Special Education Stephanie Forte and teachers Julia Enos, Hannah Clark, Katelyn Branagan and Kerri Kelly-McManus.
The day began with the Attleboro Police giving the students a police escort to the Attleboro High School track. Athletes from Brennan Middle School were then cheered on by students in the "Tunnel of Love," which involved students from Brennan Middle School and Attleboro High School lining the street for a student parade. Various classes made signs and cheered on the athletes, unified partners and volunteers. The parade was led by Attleboro Police Department cruisers and an Honor Guard. The Attleboro High School Marching Band kicked off the events with a performance, followed by the National Anthem sung by students Alina Hernandez and Courtney Villano and teacher Amber Dias-Almeida.
Following the performances, volunteers, coaches and athletes took The Athlete's Oath. The oath is "Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."
Track events consisted of the 25-meter Wheelchair/Assisted Walk, a 25-meter dash, a 100-meter dash and a 200-meter dash. Field events included a softball throw, standing long jump into a sand pit and turbo jav throwing.
The Attleboro Police Department presented medals to each athlete, and athletes celebrated their victories at the "Olympic Town," which was an area complete with sidewalk chalk, bubbles and music.
"It was a joy celebrating the accomplishments of our students and cheering them on as they brought their A-game to the competition," said Superintendent Sawyer. "It was a pleasure seeing our school community come together to participate in such a fun event."
Photos courtesy of Heller Photography
