Local students get in the game through Special Olympics soccer
When Frankie Moore plays Special Olympics soccer, winning doesn’t matter much.
“It feels the same when you lose because you’re just here to have fun,” said Moore, 20.
The Kenner Collegiate student played Thursday in the Special Olympics soccer qualifier at Crestwood Secondary School.
Five high school teams competed for a spot at the 2020 Special Olympics Ontario School Championships happening in Kingston in June.
Moore is more of a hockey player, but he’s played soccer once before and enjoys being on the field with his friends.
“I just try to contribute to my team the best I can and just have fun,” he said.
Teammate Faith Lane, 14, feels the same.
“It’s fun and nice to hang out with all your friends,” she said.
On another field, Danielle Clarkson played for St. Peter Secondary School.
“I’m here to have a good time,” said Clarkson, 16.
Clarkson played alongside one of her peer tutors, Zoe Switzer.
The Grade 11 student started tutoring at the beginning of the year because she likes working with kids and giving back.
“I like helping them and feeling like I’m doing something for the school,” said Switzer, 16.
Although she’s not a soccer player, Switzer said she loves being on the field with her group.
“It feels good. It feels like I’m accomplishing something and helping them out is really fun, too,” she said.
Jane Wheeler, school and youth program co-ordinator at Special Olympics Ontario, organized the qualifiers at Crestwood.
“Seeing all of the student athletes come out and try their best and have fun and interact with their peers, is what it’s all about,” Wheeler said.
Two teams will be advancing to the championships, a traditional team (students with intellectual disabilities) and a unified team (students with or without intellectual disabilities).
After Wheeler tallies up the scores, the two teams will be notified and they’ll be among the 1,000 student athletes competing in Kingston.