First Annual Special Olympics Track and Field Event at Dublin High School

Information from Eric Lee Hamilton, Adapted Physical Educator for the Dublin Unified School District--

Dublin Unified School District will host the First Annual Special Olympics Track and Field Event on May 23, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. at the Dublin High School Gael Stadium.  The premier Special Olympics Track and Field event is the last of 3 different sporting events that have been offered during the school year to the special day class teachers and their students. 

Participants will include special needs students ages 5 to 22, who attend school in the Dublin Unified, Livermore Valley Joint Unified and Pleasanton Unified School District. This exciting opportunity is the result of a collaborative effort between the Dublin Unified School District and the Special Olympics Northern California Schools Partnership Program. 

The Program has expanded to include both Livermore and Pleasanton in track & field. 

Students throughout the Tri-Valley Schools have enthusiastically joined in the effort to make the Special Olympics program an exciting and successful experience for the participating athletes.  General Education students in all districts, 

Dublin Unified, Livermore Valley Joint Unified, and Pleasanton Unified School District are playing a crucial role in the process by volunteering, coaching, and cheering on the athletes.  Student groups supporting the program include, The Best 

Buddies Club, which is comprised of general education students who interact with special education students through mentoring and activities that result in building self esteem. Site leadership from the elementary level through high school, and physical education classes from all levels have played an essential role in making the events what they are.   “It’s energizing to see all of out student body excited about supporting their peers in Special Olympics.”

These events are all about bringing students and the community together. This opportunity is to strengthen relationships and integrating students with special needs with the general population. We are hoping that the all of our community members throughout the Tri-Valley will join us and come out to support our Special Olympics athletes at this next competition. 

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: 

www.SchoolsPartnershipProgram.org