Athletes and peer coaches prepare for Special Olympics Track and Field Day
May 10, 2018
FERGUS, Ontario – Every year in the spring, student athletes from across the Upper Grand District School Board and Wellington Catholic DSB come together for day of competition, fun and friendship.
The annual Special Olympics Track and Field Day is a highlight of the school year for hundreds of athletes, peer coaches, staff, volunteers and community members. The day features a wide variety of events including the 25, 50 and 100m dash, running long jump, standing long jump, seated softball throw and a number of adaptive competitions.
Leading up to that one day of friendly competition are hours of practice, with athletes working closely with their peer coaches. It’s a special relationship between the athletes and their coaches, as they practice for their events.
Asher and his coach Brayden are students at James McQueen Public School who have been working hard to get ready for the May 16 track meet.
Every day, Asher who is in Senior Kindergarten and Brayden who is in grade 3, work together for about 20 minutes, practicing for the basketball shooting event, beanbag toss, and hockey.
“Hockey is Asher’s favourite,” said Brayden as they played together outside on Wednesday. He speaks of working on the beanbag toss and basketball shooting, but adds that hockey is his favourite as well.
Also working with Asher ahead of the Track and Field Day is Education Assistant Shannon Horvath. Both Brayden and Shannon will be at the track meet cheering Asher on.
The hard work of Asher and Brayden, along with hundreds of athletes and coaches, will be on display May 16 at the Special Olympics Track and Field Day in Guelph.
Categories: News Tags: Special Education