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Date: 5/2/2023
MONSON — On April 28, a number of local school districts gathered along with some special guests for the Monson School District’s Special Olympics Unified School Day Games at Granite Valley Middle School.
Participants filled the athletic field from Monson, Palmer, Belchertown, Ludlow and Hampden-Wilbraham Regional school districts, as well as the Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative.
Rep. Brian Ashe (D-Longmeadow) and Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton) made appearances. Fattman presented a citation to Superintendent Cheryl Clarke in recognition of Monson Public Schools hosting the games.
Students got to meet special guest Tiffany Scott Pryor, 2002 Olympic figure skater.
The Hampden County Sheriff’s Department were in attendance with mounted police and therapy dogs.
Special Education Director Colette Bidus, who was responsible for organizing the event, was enthusiastic about the day’s turnout.
“The day has been a great day so far. We’ve worked so hard putting it all together, there’s lots and lots of moving parts when it comes to organizing something like this, but we had a great committee of service providers and special ed teachers as well as staff that just came together for this,” Bidus said.
Students from first through eighth grade Stations in the rotation walking and running, throwing, obstacle course, jumping, relays, football is lways one of our highest level attractions, they just love it something called Olympic Town that most of the kids love it’s a place to play and has some sensory tools to take a break
Grade 1-8 students partook as athletes and partners for the games, Bidus said.
“We partner them up so that it’s a unified, inclusive event so they’re working together and competing alongside of each other,” she said.
Bidus said the ninth through 12th grade students and the Vocational Independence Program students age 19-22 years helped in a leadership role. “It gives them a great leadership opportunity, and we also have some of our students from the high school participating and helping to lead the stations, so it really is a community effort and it takes lots of hands to make it a success,” Bidus said.
The games are becoming a tradition for the Monson School District.
“We have been honored to host the Special Olympics for the last four years. It is so heartwarming to see the athletes excelling on the field, feeling proud of their accomplishments. It is a true community event as everyone comes together to support our Olympians,” Clarke said.
The day was made possible by a combined effort of all involved, Bidus said. “I just wanted to recognize everyone for helping and all the support from the Monson community. This includes the Sheriff’s Department, all of the fundraising that’s happened, everyone’s generosity and support for the whole effort and of course all of the schools and school communities for bringing everyone together and just making it a great day,” she said.
“It’s all about inclusions and creating an inclusive atmosphere for everyone, whether it’s volunteers or the students with needs, it really works both ways when it comes to inclusion and helping each other out,” Bidus said.