The Special Olympics is a valuable day for high schools across the country, especially in Essex County. On April 30, students from Mrs. Faggiani’s Bridges class and Mrs. Bauer’s Pathways class at West Essex took a trip to Brookdale Park in Bloomfield to participate in numerous track and field events. The Olympics are inclusive of those with intellectual disabilities and allow them to compete in friendly competition against their peers and other schools. West Essex, in particular, takes a lot of pride in the students who showcase their athletic talent in this annual event.
In the days leading up to the Olympics, the students meet with their physical education teachers to practice their specific event. At the beginning of each year, Key Club holds a clothing fundraiser where the proceeds go toward the Special Olympics. Special Olympics T-shirts are also sold, and the money collected often helps cover the cost of the shirts made for students participating in the Olympics.
West Essex students and staff kick off the Special Olympics with a clap out for the athletes participating. This year, there were around 20 students who attended the event as either an athlete or a supporter.
“The clap out is always really amazing and special, to see the whole student and staff lined up celebrating my students is unexplainable,” special education teacher Maria Faggiani said.
The athletes participated in the 50 walk, 50 meter run, 100 meter walk, 100 meter run, standing long jump, tennis throw, softball throw and mini javelin. The stands in Brookdale Park were filled with all different types of supporters, parents and siblings. At the end of their events, the students were awarded with a gold, silver, bronze or participation medal handed to them by police officers from all over the county.
“They’re the center of attention, and everybody needs a good pat on the back,” special education teacher Gabriella Bauer said. “This is their day.”
Faggiani explained how the event is important to everyone involved within the West Essex community, not just the athletes. It gives West Essex an opportunity to come together and foster support for a select group of students who may not always be recognized. The event ultimately welcomes all different types of learners, students and individuals in the West Essex area.
“There are so many people there with different types of disabilities and different strengths and different ways that they contribute,” Faggiani said. “There are so many things that go into making this day successful, and to see it all come together is really special.”
The Special Olympics is a program that celebrates people with intellectual disabilities through sports. It’s far more than just a competition—it’s a community that gives students a chance to shine and allows them to make new friendships and memories along the way.
