April 18, 2008

The special education students of Monterey County gathered at North Salinas High School for our annual Special Olympics event. School districts from all twenty-four communities in Monterey County brought their children to compete. Our Special Olympics is part of the Northern California Special Olympics program. The students of the King City Union and King City Joint Union High School District of all abilities, between the ages of 6 and 22 years of age, participated.

Monterey County is a part of the Special Olympics Schools Partnership Program. The program mission is to include students with moderate and severe developmental disabilities in inclusive recreational activities. Studies show that students who are developmentally disabled are among the least involved in school recreational activities, and the barriers to participation tend to be significant.

Special Olympics works hard with schools to remove some of those barriers. Through the Schools Partnership Program special education students are getting an opportunity to participate in sports training and competition within the school day. Student athletes learn specific skills, participate in real sports, get to be part of a team and compete in tournaments wearing uniforms. Students train from a minimum of eight weeks in soccer, basketball and track and field, culminating in at least one tournament.

The benefits of the Special Olympics Schools Partnership Program is that our students learn about teamwork and working hard without giving up. Teachers report improvements in academic performance, the increased ability to focus in the classroom and overall improved fitness. Teachers discover they have one more tool to grow the minds and bodies of their students. Most importantly, students experience feelings of acceptance and success. They also grow in confidence, strength and stamina.

General education students have the opportunity to appreciate and even support Special Education students at this annual competition. Additionally, parents and their families have a chance to feel the pride and accomplishments of their children.

The Schools Partnership Program is completely free to all participants. Special Olympics pays for all equipment and uniforms, sports training guides and curriculum. Is is a magnificent day for our students.

See if you can pick out some of the children you may know. We hope you enjoy the pictures from this great event! A special thanks to the Special Olympics of North County, our teachers, staff, families and the California Highway Patrol for making this event so successful. A very special thanks to Mrs. Bailey for her photo contribution.

Thank You

John M. Ward

Director of Special Services