Joy in Every Stride
Ashland and Boyd County Schools Held Annual Special Olympics
By: Sasha Bush
The Ashland Beacon
Ashland and Boyd County Schools held their annual Special Olympics Field Day for children with special abilities last week. Boyd County Public Schools held its special day entitled “Complex Needs Field Day,” Thursday, April 25 at the Boyd County High School football field. Ashland Independent Schools held its event Friday, April 26 at the Blazer High School track.
Though both events were separate from one another, they shared a common goal and that is to celebrate the unique abilities of their most special students as they competed in a day of fun field events. The Special Olympics Field Day is organized by dedicated educators, volunteers, and community leaders who provide a platform for students with special needs to showcase their talents, foster friendships, and experience the joy of athletic competition in a welcoming environment. Ponderosa Elementary’s Melinda Earl, shared, “This is something I’ve been interested in doing for a while, and I am so glad we had the opportunity to organize this special day for our special students. We had almost 30 kids from Boyd County’s elementary schools. We hope next year we can expand to the middle and high schools as well.”
From adapted relay races to sensory-friendly activities, every aspect of both events was carefully crafted to ensure that all participants could fully participate and feel empowered. Everywhere you looked children and adults were laughing, playing and having the time of their lives. In a world where one’s differences seem to always be put on display, it is essential to recognize and celebrate the remarkable abilities of children with special needs. These individuals, often described as having disabilities, possess a unique range of talents and strengths. For many students, the Special Olympics Field Day was a highlight of the school year, offering an opportunity to shine and be celebrated for their accomplishments. Chris Peters, a student at Blazer High School Special Olympic Team, had a blast. Peters shared, “I’ve won three medals, and they are solid gold. This is really fun, and I’m glad I have my best friend Kenleigh here.” Kenleigh Woods, a junior at Paul G. Blazer School, shared what her favorite part about the day, “It’s all about the smiles for me. Just getting to see everyone smiling and having a good time. It’s just a really great feeling, and I love it.”
Through these events, local schools are not only creating opportunities for students with special abilities to thrive but also inspiring others to embrace diversity and champion inclusivity in all aspects of life… lessons that are important for everyone regardless of one’s abilities to learn. Phillip Caudill who is the Director of Staff and Student Services and Director of Special Education with Ashland Independent Schools stated, “Days like this really stress the importance of inclusion and togetherness. This year is probably the biggest turnout we have ever had. It doesn’t matter if you are an organizer, participant, or volunteer… seeing days like this can’t help but put a smile on your face.”
