UG community show up for 20th anniversary of Special Olympics

May 17, 2024

Guelph, ON — UG students, staff and community partners – in collaboration with Wellington Catholic District School Board – showed up in mass to the 20th Anniversary of the Special Olympics Track and Field Day held at St. James Catholic High School.

Special Olympics Track and Field Day, which is an event for students of all ages — is a celebration of inclusivity, athleticism and community.

The day’s events started off with a small parade made of students, words of encouragement from board and community members, and then the releasing of doves to begin the events.

There were nearly 800 athletes and their peer coaches participating in the day’s events, in a variety of activities like 50m, 100m and 200m races, standing/running long jump, and softball throw, as well as adaptive events for those with physical challenges which include obstacle course, basketball shooting, they shoot/they score, T-ball, Popbottle bowling and a 40m walk/run.

“20 years of gathering together! Our teachers, educational assistants and students work so hard to prepare for this day and we are so thankful for the hours of prep and organization from our Special Olympics volunteers and community who come together to support, plan and organize!” shared Erin Leslie, UGDSB Special Olympics track and field committee member.

Thank you to all the student athletes, volunteers, and community members for a great day.