Framingham Athletes Compete for Special Olympics Gold in Natick

By CHARLENE ARSENAULT

FRAMINGHAM, MA - Some 475 athletes from Natick and Framingham met at Natick High School to participate in the annual Special Olympics Massachusetts Natick School Day Games on Tuesday.

Focusing on a variety of track and field sports and motor skill development, students visited a number of stations, each with a different theme, wit eventing including relays, running races, softball and javelin throws. The event is driven and supported by volunteers who help with registration, facilitating each sports station and presenting awards. The Natick Fire and Police departments provided color guards, kicking off Opening Ceremonies at 8:45 a.m., and Congresswoman Katharine Clark visited with several volunteers.

Natick Superintendent of schools Dr. Peter Sanchioni, Director of Student Services, Tim Luff, and Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Anna Nolin each said a few words during opening ceremonies. The School Day Games organizing committee worked tirelessly with a core group of student and adult volunteers planning this event. This volunteer committee has also worked hard to help raise funds to offset event expenses. Special Olympics Massachusetts School Day Games are sponsored by Bank of America. ACCEPT Collaborative, Bennett-Hemenway School, Loring School, Roche Bros, and Wilson Middle School provided additional sponsorship for the Natick event.

Natick Registered Nurse, Barbara Singer was honored for hosting the School Day Games for the past eight years.

The competition kicked off at 9 a.m. and awards were given out following each event. Students showed off their skills and were cheered on by family and friends.

A spokesperson for Special Olympics Massachusetts said, “Our partnerships with local schools are vital to our success. The students, teachers and administration help spread the message of inclusion. When students practice inclusion on the playing field, they will practice inclusion in the classroom, around the lunch table and in any number of social situations. We are so proud of the Natick community and thankful that they have been such a dedicated partner in the Special Olympics movement.”

Athletes, volunteers, donors and sponsors interested in becoming involved with Special Olympics should contactgetinvolved@specialolympicsma.org.

Information and photos submitted by the Special Olympics