500 LEUSD Special Needs Students Compete During 2011 School Games

Lakeside High School’s stadium was filled to capacity Friday as more than 2,000 friends, family and volunteers turned out to cheer on 500 special needs students as they competed in the 2011 School Games.

The district teamed up with Special Olympics Southern California-Inland Empire Region to host the second annual event, which is geared toward year-round sports training and Olympic-style competition for K-12 kids with intellectual disabilities that range from mild to severe.

There were 1,000 athletic events Friday, and every school in the district was represented by a team that included competitors as well as student volunteers.

“We have been training for this event since September/October,” said Brent Weiglund, special day class instructor at Elsinore Elementary. “Seventeen of our students, along with six coaches, have been training two to three days per week, running 100 meters with a 10-second break (and) working up to a current distance of one mile.”

As the athlete oath was administered and the torch lighting commenced, Lake Elsinore Unified’s 2011 School Games founder Dr. Kathleen Roberts sounded out, “Athletes, volunteers and staff: Are you ready? Let the games begin!”

The official start coincided with an explosion of glitter, confetti and streamers, followed by a parade of student athletes who were escorted by sport volunteers and peer trainers to numbered bullpens in preparation for divisional (age, gender and disability) heats.

After the races, athletes were brought on to the stage for congratulatory handshakes, ribbons, and placement medals. Many of them exploded with shouts of enthusiasm, and there was plenty of high-fiving with Riverside County sheriff’s deputies and Cal Fire/Riverside County firefighters who were on hand.

Bryson Gerard, a Lakeland Village 50-meter race contender, shouted, “Awesome!” after his first-place finish.

The games also offered a chance to raise public awareness about the need for community support of special needs students while they’re in school -- and beyond graduation.

Shannon Pinck, a LEUSD special education program specialist, talked about the district’s Individualized Education Plan.

“Student interns are designated and transitioned through their Individualized Education Plan to participate in a Joint Work Experience Program. This program offers students from diverse backgrounds the opportunity, through education and internships, to become productive, well-rounded, entry-level employees,” Pinck said.

Laurie Medearis, the program’s job coach in community business and development, said the games showcase the need for local businesses, organizations and city government to offer work experience for people with special needs.

“One-hundred and twenty-five jobs were filled through this program, ... resulting in win-win relationships for businesses and students.” she said.

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