The planning for the sixth annual Special Olympics Natick School Day Games is underway and our event will be held on June 10, 2014 at Natick High School during the school day. This event has grown tremendously since it first began in Natick; in 2009, thirty-five students participated and in 2013, 275 students participated in this track and field event along with 150 high school and adult volunteers.
Special Olympics Natick School Day Games is a rewarding experience for athletes, their non-disabled peers who are called Unified Partners, coaches, volunteers, community members, and family members. Unified Partners train and compete as a team with their peers who have disabilities in the spirit of inclusion and community. Everybody benefits from this event; athletes who have disabilities come away from the event with a sense of pride and accomplishment, and Unified Partners come away with an increase in awareness, appreciation, and in many cases, new friendships. One spectator who watched her grandson participate as a partner last year sent an email that said “this event was life-changing for all of us”. An athlete told an organizer that “it’s so nice to have others watch us for a change; usually it’s us who are cheering others on.” One parent emailed that “this was the best field trip I have ever witnessed and all students should have an opportunity to witness a Special Olympics event”.
Massachusetts Special Olympics Natick School Day Games includes all of the pageantry of a Special Olympics event: Opening Ceremonies includes music, participation by our police and firefighters, a torch run, and Parade of Athletes. Each athlete and Unified Partner participates in up to three events, and EVERYONE receives gold, silver, and/or bronze medals. As our Games have expanded, so have our costs and we need to raise funds so that we can sustain this wonderful community event.
Please participate in our “Dollar Drive” on Wednesday November 20, 2013. Students and staff are encouraged to wear clothing from their favorite sports team, Natick colors, and/or their Special Olympics t-shirts and bring a dollar into school. Every dollar counts and when we all support Special Olympics, everybody wins!!!!
by Barbara Singer, Ben-Hem School Nurse