Special Children Get Special Day
March 25, 2010 by Lauren
Filed under A & E, Community, Features, Opinions and Views, Student Life, Uncategorized
“Let the Special Olympics begin!”
Students from North Augusta High and all over Aiken County heard these words that marked the beginning of Special Olympics 2010. The event took place on Friday, March 19 at Aiken High School. However, the beginning of the Special Olympics was not at the actual event. Children that had special needs were pen pals several students at North Augusta High School who volunteered for the event.
Children from Busbee Elementary, in Wagner, South Carolina wrote letters to their “buddies” saying how much they couldn’t wait to meet them at Special Olympics. Students of NAHS had the opportunity to write their buddies letters back, telling them how much they were excited to meet each of them as well.
Once at Aiken High School, students were introduced with their buddies. Words of excitement were exchanged with each other, and each of the buddies expressed how they were going to have a fantastic and fun day.
The Area 15 Special Olympics began with each group of volunteers with their buddies, holding banners from over thirty schools across Aiken County. As a tradition, the parade of Olympians began, while people in the stands cheered for each athlete that was participating in the events that day. Once the running of the torch took place, the Olympic Flame was lit.
Words of encouragement were spoken by Dr. Beth Everett, superintendent of Aiken County Schools, as well as Aiken Mayor Fred Cavanaugh and State Representative Roland Smith after which the Olympic Games began. Volunteers then set out with their buddies to their assigned events. The events included the soft ball toss, 50 meter dash, 100 meter dash, long jump and many others. After calculating the places of each heat, buddies were awarded ribbons in each event, including first, second, and third place. Crystal Chassereau reflected on the day saying, “my buddy ran around with his friends and wanted to do all events and win them. I think he had a great time, and so did I.”
The Olympic Games were not the only thing that took place. Participants who could not compete due to physical or age limitations could also create and make arts and crafts. The Art and Crafts included painting a wooden fence, making paper hats, painting masks, and making necklaces. Each station was sponsored by a Club or group from the Aiken area.
Another favorite at the Special Olympics was the food. Food stands sponsored by area restaurants were set up around the Aiken football field. Volunteers and their buddies were seen walking around the event with ice cream sandwiches, doughnuts, pizza, barbeque sandwiches, and hotdogs.
The Special Olympics was a huge success. Not only did the participants enjoy themselves at the event, but North Augusta High School students did as well. Kayla Davis, Senior, thought “seeing all the kids have fun and knowing that I helped make that possible and just getting to feel like I made a difference. The experience was very enjoyable and one I won’t ever forget!”
The overall trip to Aiken for Special Olympics was full of joy, excitement and, of course, fun. Sara Hopkins, North Augusta High School graduate, thinks “it made me aware of how one day can impact someone for a life time. The Busbee Elementary students look forward to this day the entire year and always have so much fun. The fact that I can be part of this day is such a blessing. I think I look forward to it just as much as they do! Each year is just awesome. I’ve done it for four years and it continues to get better.”
This may have been the highlight of the year for NAHS students, as well as the children from Busbee Elementary.
Loading ...