Schools

Dublin Unified School District to Host Special Olympics Event

The event will be held on Nov. 14 at 9:00 a.m. at the Dublin High School Gael Stadium

From the Dublin Unified School District:

Dublin Unified School District will kick off their First Annual Special Olympics Event on November 14th at 9:00 a.m. at the Dublin High School Gael Stadium with a soccer event. The premier Special Olympics soccer event is the first of
three different sporting events that will be offered during the school year to the special day class teachers and their students.

This exciting opportunity is the result of a collaborative effort between of the Dublin Unified School District and Special Olympics Northern California. The program hopes to expand to Livermore and Pleasanton for basketball and track & field.

According to Tri Valley Special Olympics Coordinator, Eric Hamilton, Dublin High School students have enthusiastically joined in the effort to make the Special Olympics program an exciting and successful experience for the participating
athletes. Students in the district are playing a crucial role crucial role in the process by volunteering, coaching, and cheering the athletes on as they practice soccer drills. This includes groups such as The Best Buddies Club which are comprised of general education students who interact with special education students through mentoring and activities that result in building self esteem.

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“It’s wonderful to see DHS students excited about supporting their peers in Special Olympics. My students’ faces beam with joy and excitement as they interact with their new friends,” remarks Jamie Melvin and Lu Middleton, advisors to the Best Buddies Club students. “How amazing is that!”

The Dublin High School’s Robotics class wanted to be involved with Special Olympics and show their support. The class is designing a high-tech device for the students with physical disabilities to use during the skills portion of the games. The program has also greatly benefited through the generosity of a community member, Manuel Soto and his daughter, in his design and build of ramp. This assistive technology ramp will enable students with limited range of motion to shoot soccer balls into a goal, making the games accessible to all ability levels.

Mr. Hamilton added that it’s all about bringing students and the community together to strengthen relationships and integrate students with special needs with the general population. The Dublin High School students have certainly embraced this opportunity. We’re hoping that the community will join us in our endeavor by coming out to support our Special Olympics athletes at the upcoming event

Special Olympics Northern California relies on volunteers and donations from the community to bring the games to Dublin.

To make your contribution or to volunteer please contact schools@sonoc.org or visit the website at: http://www.sonc.org

Media contact: Illisa Kessler (925) 944-8801 ext. 209 or ilisak@sonc.org

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