GARDEN GROVE, Calif.—Nearly 2,000 people came out to watch and participate in Garden Grove Unified School District’s 51st “Special Games” Olympic-style competitions May 20 for over 700 special needs students from 18 local schools, in a highly-anticipated day of laughter, fun, and a special appearance from three-time volleyball Olympic gold-medalist, Misty May-Treanor.
The day began with heavy excitement from students and parents. Not even the light drizzle dampened their giddiness as Pacifica High School student Evelyn Nguyen led the anthem.
An 8-year-old special needs athlete began to cry after the anthem, wanting “so badly” to lead.
“He couldn’t hold it in,” event leader Marcia Bradbeer said. “He missed the audition but can try again next year.”
Nearly 400 high school volunteers from 18 participating schools dedicated their time to serve as “buddies” to student athletes during competitions, cheering them on and handing out medals while helping facilitate events.
Among hundreds of volunteers was all-star Olympian Misty May-Treanor, who’s volunteered handing out medals and assisting participants for her seventh year now.
“This is a great day for [the] kids and families to get together and participate in the community,” May-Treanor told The Epoch Times, “All the special event teachers and volunteers do such a great job.”
Meeting at Bolsa Grande High School’s recently-opened stadium, athletes participated in 50- and 100-meter sprints, wheelchair races, softball tosses, and much more on the stadium’s large green field.
Every student received a medal for each competition, with many proudly layering them over their shirts following each event.
“You can look, but you can’t touch,” one athlete told his teacher after placing first for his group’s 50-meter dash. Once assured his prize was safe, the medalist permitted his instructor to approach.
Parents and teaching staff cheered at each event, encouraging athletes from competing schools and celebrating each victory together.
First-time participant Devin Ramos beamed from his wheelchair as his mom pushed him toward his first event: the softball throw.
“He’s been so excited, he couldn’t sleep for two days,” Shanice Ramos said. “This is one of my favorite things because [Special Games] is how we got him into baseball. He has a really good throw.”
Garden Grove Unified School District’s own Marcia Bradbeer and Enrique Gonzalez have single-handedly volunteered to plan the Special Games for seven years, in addition to their posts as Adapted Physical Education Teachers at 10 different school sites.
The pair are part of a cohort of nine other teachers within the area who coordinate with special needs physical education programs in local public schools.
