The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
ATHLETIC LAURELS
Special Olympics: Students from throughout Madison and Oneida counties compete in annual games
Student athletes converged on Canastota High School to demonstrate their skills at the seventh annual Special Olympics on Wednesday.
“It was fun,” said Alex Terrell, 18, of Durhamville, who participated in the softball throw and took home a red ribbon. His favorite part of the event was being able to compete and see his friends and grandparents.
Despite the overcast, everyone acted like it was a bright, sunny day and competed as such, happy to be there.
Athletes participated in a variety of events, from the 50-, 100-, 200- and 400-meter dash, to the softball toss, long jump and adaptive games. The students could also participate in a plethora of games, including kickball, once they’d completed their athletic events.
“It’s a wonderful feeling to see them,” said seventh grade special education teacher Luray Moshier. “These students, these athletes tomorrow will take their ribbons to school and talk about what they did and who cheered them on.”
“I know when I first became involved with Special Olympics, it was a wonderful feeling and a wonderful memory for me,” said Education Coordinator Laurie Ann Ross. “And every year, I just gain more and more memories. And for the community, it’s an opportunity to get to see aside of our children that a lot of our people don’t see.”
Students in grades 8-12 also volunteered to be buddies with a number of athletes, as well as help run events.
For Canastota Athletics Director Andy Pino, the Special Olympics is a decades-long endeavor and close to his heart. He’s participated in the event for 36 years, and watched it evolve from a competitive event to the more relaxed, inclusive celebration of athleticism it is today.
“I don’t think you can place a value on the smile of these kids,” he said. “This is their glory.”