“Bobcats are better together” is a fitting slogan for Beaver Area’s Special Olympians who are beaming with pride, eager to represent the school district.
The annual Beaver County Special Olympics was held April 21 at 9 a.m. in Geneva College’s Merriman Athletic Complex.
The local and state mission remains as important today as it did when the movement began in 1968: Through the power of sports, Special Olympics fosters the acceptance and involvement of all as well as inspires others to open their hearts to a world of human talents and potential.
Geneva College supports the intended message by typically hosting the event. This marks the first year though that the college vigorously fundraised and organized the joyous occasion, providing a full day of track and field competition along with last year’s new social events—carnival games.
Geneva College student volunteers ran the carnival, where competing student-athletes were able to take advantage of downtime to try their luck at games such as the football throw or mini golf. Not only were Special Olympians given the opportunity to win carnival prizes but also were able to access various food vendors.
All Beaver County schools may participate, sending Special Education/Life Skills student-athletes ranging in ages from 14 to 21 (Beaver Area’s selected ages).
The student-athletes represent their respective schools by participating in up to three track and field events: the 25 meter dash, 50 meter dash, 100 meter dash, standing long jump, and the softball/tennis ball throw.
Special Olympics provides student-athletes the opportunity to compete against others with comparable abilities, while meeting and encouraging new relationships with kids from other school districts’ life skills programs.
When registering, an athlete provides their event, age, and expected time or distance so that game day competition is as fair as possible based on heats of similar abilities.
Beaver Area sent 23 student-athletes to compete.
In order to adequately prepare for the event, the Beaver Area participants trained while taking PE teacher Ms. Susan Pilarski’s Adapted Physical Education class. Ms. Pilarski designed class instruction that would target specific gross and fine motor skills utilized in the competition. Students who did not take this class trained at home.
Knowing that it certainly takes a village to raise a child and hold an event of this caliber, all Beaver Area Special Education teachers as well as the Director of Student Services, Dr. Kellee Oliver, contributed by supporting students throughout the competition.
The many Beaver Area adults who volunteered were Mrs. Abbey Trozzo (Special Education Teacher), Mr. Paul Briggs (Special Education Teacher and Beaver Area’s bocce coach), Mrs. Laurie Abel (Life Skills Teacher), Mrs. Jacquelyn Ambrose (Guidance), Miss Jordan Miller (teaching assistant), and Ms. Alecia Phillips (teaching assistant).
“It is one of my favorite days of the year, for the students meet other kids and are outside. They are able to find success in the competition with students who have similar abilities,” stated Mrs. Trozzo.
Beaver Area students also volunteer to spend the day at the event serving in various capacities that both help and encourage the Olympians.
The Beaver Area volunteers certainly enjoyed helping at the event and are beyond proud of the participants’ hard work and determination.
“I love the Special Olympics athlete oath which is: ‘Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.’ It definitely summarizes the life skills classroom,” explained Mrs. Abel.
Since the experience was overwhelmingly rewarding, Beaver Area plans to attend Special Olympics next year.
If you plan to volunteer next year, make room in your schedule around the third Friday in April.
Contact Beaver Area’s Best Buddies Club to become a student helper and establish an inclusive school environment.
“Special Olympics is a great opportunity to boost morale in a positive way—building friendships and staying healthy,” said senior Emily Young, Best Buddies Club leader.
Mindful that the event is inspiring and fulfilling, why not support such a wonderful cause and commemorate the Special Olympics?
