Special Olympics and Dublin Schools Team Up for Partnership Program

Hundreds turned out on Nov. 14 to the Dublin High School Gael's stadium as part of the Schools Partnership Program with Special Olympics. Children ranging from age three to twenty-two came to participate in the inaugural event with the collaboration of the Special Olympics and the Dublin Unified School District for the Schools Partnership Program.

The sunny opening ceremony, emceed by band director, Paul Everts, was held at 9:30 a.m. and was followed by the Dublin High School marching band leading all of the participating schools in a short parade on the track. Each school held a handmade banner. The Olympic torch flame was held by retired Dublin Police Officer Floyd Gill. Gill had been the school resource officer for years before his recent retirement.

"This is a great event and everyone should support the Special Olympics," said Gill.

Eric Hamilton, who is the Adapted Physical Educator for Dublin Unified School District, said they have been "gearing up" for this event for a while.

"Special Olympics came to us and offered the partnership and we are looking to spread it to the whole Tri-Valley," he said.

Students with special needs from every school in Dublin participated as well as students not getting special needs services, Special Olympics Vice President Cathy DeVries said.

"As part of 'Project Unify' the general students are engaged in this by volunteering, doing rallies and helping with education," commented DeVries. "I am really excited to have an inaugural event that will kick off this partnership in Tri-Valley. The Dublin administrators have been amazing to work with. The community and administrator backing is what is helping this to happen."

The students learned soccer skills and played games. The Dublin United Soccer League and Show Up Fitness helped by referring the event.

Dublin Unified Superintendent Dr. Steven Hanke says this is a community event that is really meaningful.

"We are so excited to bring this to Dublin," he said. "We are bringing this here first and we are thrilled."

Dublin High School Principal Carol Shimizu says they have plans to hold an basketball event and a track event in the spring.

"We are very proactive on behalf of the student," said Shimizu. "Our job is to educate all students to their max potential."

149 students participated in the soccer event. A full list of teachers, schools and volunteers is listed below.

Teams that participated in the games:
 
Ms. Keira Andresen’s class from Dublin Elementary.

Ms. Jeanne Kane’s class from Dublin Elementary.

Ms. Regina Talbott’s class from Frederickson Elementary.

Ms. Melissa Chicconi’s class from Fredrickson Elementary.

Ms. Kirsten Drew’s class from Kolb Elementary.

Ms. Adrienne Caviglia’s class from Kolb Elementary.

Ms. Nancy Fouts from Murray Elementary.

Ms. Lauren Elmer’s class from Murray Elementary.

Ms. Cecelia Timek’s class from Murray Elementary.

Mr. Richard Reyes’ class from Fallon Middle School.

Ms. Kori Evan’s class from Wells Middle School.

Ms. Jaime Melvin’s class from Dublin High School.

Ms. Lu Middleton’s class from Dublin High School.

Mr. Peter Dragula’s class from Dublin High School.

Ms. Bree LeMoine’s class from Dublin High School.  

Volunteers and Supporters

• Dublin High School Athletics Director: Shawn McHugh
• Dublin High School PE department: Chris Meredith, Amy Lopez, John Wade, Diana Hasenpflug
• Dublin High School Band and Director: Paul Everts
• Best Buddies Club directed by Jaime Melvin and Lu Middelton
• Dublin High Robotics Club: Ms. Eugene Chou
• Dublin High School Leadership lead by Mr. Tim Sbranti and Kelly Beck
• Fallon Leadership: Ms Natalie Young and Valley High School Leadership: Stephanie Sbranti and Counselor Liz Buckley Manuel Soto & Family
• All of the general education 4th and 5th grade classes throughout the district from Dublin Elementary, Murray Elementary, Kolb Elementary, Fredrikson Elementary
• Show Up Fitness
• Corporate sponsors: Safeway Foundation

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@sonc.org or visit the website at: http://www.sonc.org

From Special Olympics:

About Special Olympics Northern California

Special Olympics Northern California is a free year-round sports training and competition program for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. More than 15,700 athletes compete in 154 competitions throughout the region in 12 sports.  This requires the extraordinary support and time of 14,370 volunteers and volunteer coaches. Financial support comes almost exclusively from individuals, organizations, corporations, and foundations.

For more information on Special Olympics Northern California, visit www.SONC.org or join us at Facebook /SONorCal and Twitter @SONorCal.

About Special Olympics Northern California’s Schools Partnership Program

The Special Olympics Schools Partnership Program is a unique educational program, available to K-12 public schools. The Schools Partnership Program is about more than just sports, it is a valuable education program that unifies disabled and non-disabled students. For many, this program creates a student’s first opportunity to compete or be a part of a team.

Non-disabled peers participate as volunteers, supporting their fellow students during competitions, and bringing acceptance and respect to their campuses. Special Olympics Northern California provides a grant to participating public school districts or counties to offset the cost of the program offering all interested participants an opportunity to be a part of the program for free. 

The program is about educating and preparing for life through sports.  For more information visit www.SchoolsPartnershipProgram.org or www.sonc.org

Did you participate in the event at Dublin High? Tell us in the comments section and share your pictures by uploading them to the article.