20th Special Olympics Track & Field in Guelph on May 15th
- Thursday, April 25th, 2024 - 6:00 am
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The 20th Anniversary of the Special Olympics Track and Field Day in Wellington County will take place on May 15, 2024, at St. James Catholic High School in Guelph.
This milestone event will bring together over 700 athletes of all ages, along with their peer coaches, representing 60 schools from across the region. Participants will compete in a variety of track and field events, as well as adaptive activities, celebrating inclusion, sportsmanship, and community spirit.
“We are so excited to welcome participants from both the Wellington Catholic District School Board and the Upper Grand District School Board to St. James CHS in May,” said Nicole Hearn, WCDSB special education resource teacher and event committee member. “This year, our motto is ‘20 Years of Endless Inspiration.’ It’s an extraordinary accomplishment to reach this milestone, and we can’t wait to celebrate two decades of this incredible event here in Wellington County.”
This annual event, welcoming students of all ages, is the result of a strong partnership between the Wellington Catholic District School Board, Upper Grand District School Board, Ontario Special Olympics, Community Living Guelph/Wellington, Guelph Police, and the City of Guelph.
“We are thrilled to be celebrating our 20th year of hosting this Special Olympics Track and Field Day. It’s a highlight of the year for students, staff, and our entire community,” said Michelle Kearley, UGDSB Special Olympics committee member. “I’d also like to recognize three incredibly dedicated individuals who have been part of the Opening Ceremonies for many years. Thank you to Kara Shaw, our pianist; Peter Hummel, our piper; and Godfrey McNamee and the Pigeon Club. We are also honoured to have two members of the original organizing committee joining us on May 15—Sonja Holmes and Steve Redmond—who will serve as our Honorary Marshalls!”
Athletes will participate in a wide range of events, including the 50m, 100m, and 200m races, standing and running long jump, and the softball throw. For participants with physical challenges, there will be a variety of adaptive activities such as an obstacle course, basketball shooting, They Shoot/They Score, T-ball, Pop Bottle Bowling, and a 40m walk/run.
This inclusive event continues to embody the true spirit of the Special Olympics—celebrating ability, determination, and community support.
The event brings together student-athletes from across Wellington and Dufferin Counties, offering a chance to form new friendships and reconnect with familiar faces, all while celebrating inclusion and sportsmanship.
“Although top athletes will be recognized for their achievements in various events, everyone walks away feeling like a winner,” said Nicole Hearn, WCDSB special education resource teacher and event committee member. “Our WCDSB participants have been working hard in preparation and are excited to showcase their skills at St. James CHS. The goal of the day is to give every athlete the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities and represent their schools with pride.”
“Twenty years of coming together to celebrate this incredible event!” added Erin Leslie, UGDSB Special Olympics track and field committee member. “Our teachers, educational assistants, and students dedicate so much time to getting ready for this day. We are incredibly grateful for the countless hours of preparation and support from our Special Olympics volunteers and community members who make it all possible.”
This incredible event is made possible by the dedication of well over one hundred volunteers, including a committed planning committee with representatives from the Upper Grand District School Board, Wellington Catholic District School Board, Special Olympics Ontario, community agencies, and additional volunteers who generously give their time and energy.
“Best of luck to all participants! Have fun, and remember the Special Olympics motto: ‘Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt,’” shared Erin Leslie of the UGDSB.
The opening ceremony kicks off at 10:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic High School, and everyone is welcome to attend and cheer on these inspiring student-athletes as they compete and celebrate 20 years of the Special Olympics Track and Field Day in Wellington County.
Quick Facts
The 2023-2024 Special Olympics Track and Field Day is set for May 15, 2024, at St. James Catholic High School, located at 57 Victoria Road North, Guelph. In case of inclement weather, the event’s rain date is scheduled for May 16, 2024.
Festivities will begin with the opening ceremony at 10:00 a.m., featuring remarks from speakers, the reciting of the Special Olympics Athlete Oath, and a ceremonial torch run to kick off the day’s events. It promises to be an inspiring start to a day full of competition, camaraderie, and celebration!
Participating Schools:
- Aberfoyle P.S.
- Ariss Place
- Arthur P.S.
- Arbour Vista P.S.
- Cedar Heights Centennial C.V.I.
- Centre Peel P.S.
- Centre Dufferin D.H.S.
- Centre Wellington D.H.S.
- College Heights S.S.
- Credit Meadows E.S.
- Elora P.S.
- Erin P.S.
- Guelph C.V.I.
- Island Lake P.S.
- John F. Ross C.V.I.
- John Galt P.S.
- June Avenue. P.S.
- Ken Danby P.S.
Kortright Hills P.S. - Minto-Clifford P.S.
- Mitchell Woods P.S.
- Montgomery Village P.S.
- Norwell District S.S.
- Orangeville District S.S.
- Ponsonby P.S.
- Priory Park P.S.
- Rickson Ridge P.S.
- Rockwood Centennial P.S.
- Ross R Mackay P.S.
- Sir Isaac Brock P.S.
- Taylor Evans P.S.
- Victoria Cross P.S.
- Victoria Terrace P.S.
- Waverley Drive P.S.
- Westwood P.S.
- Willow Road P.S.
- Bishop MacDonnell CHS
- Holy Rosary CS
- Holy Trinity CS
- Mary Phelan CS
- Our Lady of Lourdes CHS
- Sacred Heart CS
- Francis of Assisi CS
- James CHS
- John (Arthur) CS
- John Bosco CHS
- John Brebeuf CS
- John (Guelph) CS
- Joseph (Fergus) CS
- Joseph (Guelph) CS
- Mary (Mount Forest) CS
- Mary (Elora) CS
- Michael CS
- Patrick CS
- Paul CS
- Peter CS
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