Windsor-Essex Special Olympics athletes celebrate Day of Champions

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With every run, jump and throw, Special Olympics athletes from across Windsor-Essex are proving what champions are made of this week.

Hundreds of competitors are taking part in the annual Special Olympics Day of Champions organized by the Greater Essex County District School Board at Sandwich Secondary School in LaSalle.

“It’s all about the fun,” said superintendent of education Todd Awender. “I’m a believer that regardless whether somebody has an exceptionality or not, the extracurriculars that take place in school — whether it’s athletics, chess, or music — students love those things and that’s what gets them to class to be successful.”

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The two-day event kicked off Friday with an opening ceremony featuring hundreds of competitors parading the track in their school jerseys before the day’s events began.

Secondary school athletes were competing Friday, while elementary students are on Monday’s competition schedule.

“Every single time we’re out here, the kids have huge smiles on their faces,” Awender told the Star. “The staff that are involved also have huge smiles on their faces.

“The competitive piece is not the goal of this event. It’s more about the participation and having fun.”

Athletes showcase their skills in running, jumping and throwing challenges. Races and competitions are also designed to accommodate non-ambulatory students or those with physical disabilities.

Even with the competitive challenges, Awender said the athletes are met with plenty of support, particularly from high school leadership students who help run the events. He added that many students say its their “favourite day of the year.”

The highlight, he said, is seeing the students smiling and returning to their schools to celebrate the ribbons they’ve earned.

“It’s really an excellent experience for everybody,” Awender said.

mholmeshill@postmedia.com

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