Over 600 students participated in the annual Special Olympics Track and Field Day at the St. James sports fields in Guelph on Wednesday, May 14.
Schools from both the Upper Grand District School Board and Wellington Catholic District School Board competed at the event, which included challenges such as 100M, 200M, standing long jump, running long jump, and soft ball throw.
Adaptive events for those with physical challenges included basketball shooting, pop bottle bowling, t-ball hitting and an obstacle course.
“If you can’t include everyone in a game then you’re not playing it right,” student athlete Alex said.
The day started with an opening ceremony where the athletes went around the track carrying banners with their schools on them while a bagpiper led the way and onlookers cheered and waved.
The opening ceremony was followed by a performance of the national anthem, a land acknowledgement by UGDSB Director of Education, Peter Sovran, and speeches from the likes of Guelph Mayor, Cam Guthrie, and Guelph Chief of Police, Gordon Cobey.
Hundreds of volunteers, including a planning committee which consists of representatives from the UGDSB, Wellington Catholic DSB, Special Olympics Ontario, Guelph Police Services, community agencies and volunteers, all had a hand in making the event a success.
“We are so excited to have the opportunity to celebrate our athletes,” April King, UGDSB’s Principal of Special Education 12-K and Accessibility, said earlier this month. “We are grateful for the volunteers, staff, families, and community members who have offered support and look forward to a joy-filled day.”
The Dufferin & North Wellington Special Olympics Track and Field Day will be held in Orangeville on May 21, 2025.