More than 40 student-athletes from Lakewood Elementary and Kurtz Elementary came together last week at Lakeland High School for a joint Special Olympics track meet, celebrating athletic achievement, inclusion and teamwork.
The event marked a significant expansion of Huron Valley Schools' elementary Special Olympics program. Last year, approximately 20 students from Lakewood Elementary participated in Special Olympics activities. This year, participation nearly doubled, with 30 to 35 students from Lakewood and an additional 10 students from Kurtz Elementary taking part in the event.
Students competed in a variety of track and field activities, showcasing their athletic skills while being cheered on by classmates, staff members, families & the community.
"We have a lot of friends who are incredibly skilled athletically, and it's amazing to see them showcase their skills," said Brenda Chappell, a speech-language pathologist.
For many students, the opportunity to compete brought excitement and confidence. Races such as the 100-meter and 400-meter dash were crowd favorites, with athletes eagerly giving their best efforts and celebrating one another's accomplishments.
Beyond the competition, organizers noted the positive impact the program has had on building relationships among students. During practices leading up to the event, athletes and their Unified partners worked closely together, strengthening communication skills and creating meaningful friendships.
"We noticed this year that our athletes and partners were really communicating with each other, and everybody felt like one single team," said Chappell. "We have a huge sense of belonging at our school where everybody is included, and Special Olympics has done such a great job fostering that environment. I'm just grateful to see the kids out there being the best that they can be."
The event highlighted Huron Valley Schools' ongoing commitment to creating opportunities where all students can succeed, compete, and feel valued. With participation continuing to grow, district leaders are excited about the future of the program.
