Over 120 special education students from Glendale Unified School District Elementary Schools competed at the 2017 GUSD Fall School Games on Thursday, Nov. 16 at Roosevelt Middle School.

School Games provides training and competitive sports opportunities for special education and adapted physical education students. It encourages youth participation, inclusion and leadership in schools and prepares students for participation in Special Olympics Southern California covvvmmunity sports programs beyond the school day.

Over the past month, GUSD adapted physical education specialists, Dave Beard, Tyrone Allen and Chris Chacon have been training the athletes to prepare them for the competition.

“School Games is a great opportunity to showcase the athletes hard work,” said Beard. “It’s an opportunity to celebrate their abilities, not their inabilities.”

Students competed in track & field with Roosevelt Middle School students providing one-on-one buddy support with community members overseeing the competition. Roosevelt is a Special Olympics Unified Champion School and is committed to acceptance and inclusion for all students on their campus.

Photo by Elizabeth BACINO