The West Johnston Life Skills classes, along with the Wildcat Unified club, continued their annual participation in the Special Olympics on April 26. Students ran in several track and field events, pitched softballs, and took home plenty of medals along the way.
Tijay Everette, like many of the Life Skills students, has been participating in the Special Olympics since he was in Elementary school. This year, he decided to try the long jump for the first time.
“I usually do softball, but I decided to do something different,” explained Everette. “Softball is better than the long jump, so I’ll do softball again next year.”
The Special Olympics offers a unique challenge to all participants. China Howard explained that participating in the short jump was the most difficult event for her. However, there is always time for fun amidst those challenges.
“The rubber ducks were my favorite,” recalled Howard.
“Like most students, they enjoy showing what they can do and having a good time with friends,” explained Ellen Beene, one of the ECS teachers at West.
Ms. Beene has been working in Special Education for 40 years, and says she has always had a natural affinity for people with disabilities. The Special Olympics has been a fixture in her time at West, and she credits it with positively impacting her students.
“One of the best things about the Special Olympics is the attitude it engenders,” said Beene. “Win or lose, as long as students try their best and have fun, they feel like champions.”
