The Special Olympics are a valuable experience for high school students across the country, especially in Essex County. On April 30, students from special education classes, Maria Faggiani’s Bridges class and Gabriella Bauer’s Pathways class at West Essex High School, took a trip to Brookdale Park in Bloomfield.
The students participated in numerous track and field events. The Special 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 hosts a clothing fundraiser where the proceeds go toward the Special Olympics. T-shirts are sold, and the money collected 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,” Faggiani said.
The athletes participated in the 50 meter 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 including 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,” 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 program celebrates all students with different types 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.
