This semester, Bearden’s special education classes will attend three Special Olympics events, one more than previous semesters.
The added events have generated more excitement within the program as a whole. Bearden has already participated in basketball and bowling and will also still participate in track and field.
“I’m excited there’s more this semester,” participant Wilson Perez said.
For students participating in the competition, the increased number of events gives them more opportunities to work both in teams and individually, with peer tutors either playing beside them or cheering them on from the sidelines.
“Volleyball and bowling are examples of unified events, which means the peer tutors are actively participating in the event,” special education teacher Ms. Elizabeth Coffey said. “In track and field, [peer tutors] are more helping instead of doing the activity.”
While all the sports are popular, Perez definitely has his favorites.
“I like team sports better,” he said.
After participating in the events, adjudications for first, second, and third place are given out, and Bearden has had many students achieve high placements. As another Special Olympics event approaches, students are excited to compete again for the top spots.
“We took home a lot of first place winners,” Ms. Coffey said when discussing the results in bowling, the most recently attended Special Olympics event.
While not every student participates in every event, they are always able to cheer each other on. When students are not competing, they still support their friends as they compete for Bearden.
“Watching them win is fun,” Perez said.
Special Olympics events allow for students to practice a wide range of athletic abilities, and they are catered to include all students participating. Additionally, the special education classes have been practicing specific skills to prepare them for the upcoming events. The events are also accommodative, so that students of all abilities are able to compete in a variety of diverse events.
Special Olympics also allows for a broader connection with other schools and the community as a whole, since multiple schools will be in attendance. Bearden is a part of Area 5 for Special Olympics, meaning they compete against other schools in their same Area at the events, with schools from Knox and Anderson Counties.
“The community is so big and a lot of schools are involved and participating in it,” Ms. Coffey said. “It’s awesome.”