Special Olympics at Acalanes

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Published May 7th, 2014

Special Olympics at Acalanes

By Cathy Tyson

Springhill Elementary School had 32 athletes participate in the recent Bay Area Games. Photos Cathy Tyson

Over 550 student athletes from around the Bay Area have been training for weeks to prepare for the third annual Bay Area Games held at Acalanes High School sponsored by Special Olympics Northern California. Setting the stage with music, dignitaries, passing of the flame of hope to light the cauldron, Acalanes cheerleaders, singing of the National Anthem, and more, Special Olympics Northern California CEO Rick Collett welcomed everyone saying, "Special Olympics changes lives, and seeks to create a more fit and tolerant community." It takes more than a village to put on an event of this scale, a team effort with 150 Acalanes students and others serving as volunteers helped make it all possible. Many members of the Acalanes track team participated as volunteers, along with students who are involved in the Best Buddy program who meet with their buddy every Thursday at lunchtime.

"It's so much fun, we really learn a lot," said Hanna Roberts of her buddy Logan Casey. The event kicked off with the first ever race that featured "Unified Partners" where students with and without disabilities come together as teammates - to promote living and playing inclusively.

Nearby Springhill Elementary had 32 athletes participating in the friendly track and field competition. Special Ed teacher Erin Caldwell said her students had six weeks of practice and competed in three events that included throwing, running and jumping to build confidence and self-esteem.

From left: Tess Olsson, Hanna Roberts, Logan Casey and Serena Candelori.



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