Donations, volunteers needed for athletic competition
The second annual Baler Gifted Games is scheduled to begin this
May and will again feature special education students from San
Benito High School participating in a series of games, including a
20-yard-dash, Frisbee toss, relay races, softball throws and an
obstacle course, amongst other events.
Donations, volunteers needed for athletic competition
The second annual Baler Gifted Games is scheduled to begin this May and will again feature special education students from San Benito High School participating in a series of games, including a 20-yard-dash, Frisbee toss, relay races, softball throws and an obstacle course, amongst other events.
The event is similar to the Special Olympics in that it will feature disabled athletes participating in structured events for glory’s sake alone.
The idea behind the games was to create an event for the Life Skills students, something that they could participate in and claim as their own.
“We wanted to start putting together a competition for the Special Ed kids,” said Ramona Trevino, who is coordinating this year’s event along with Sports Medicine teacher Dave Tari. “Something where they can compete and say ‘Look what I did!'”
While special education students are not banned from participating in regular athletics, many, because of their mental and/or physical restraints are not able to participate. Some of it also has to do with parent and transportation constraints.
The community was amazingly supportive of last year’s endeavor and so far this year people are really coming through, but they still need more help, Tari and Trevino said.
Though they are still in the planning stages of the event, they said they hope they can get support from the community outside of the high school in putting this together.
“We haven’t finalized the details yet, but we know we’re going to hold it in May,” they said. “Hopefully at a time when the parents can be here, too, probably around midday.”
Organizers are still in need of items including: small prizes to put into student goody bags (30 of each item); prizes for the raffle, such as gift certificates, sports item; food items for the barbecue; and financial donations to help purchase those items.
Any donation provided, big and small, is welcome and appreciated, the coordinators said. Time is another welcome donation, as volunteers are needed to set up the events. Cash and check donations can be made to Trevino or Tari, or at the San Benito High School District Business Office. Checks should be made out to Baler Gifted Games.
Any questions or comments can be directed to Tari, Trevino or any of the other Life Skills teachers. Dave Tari can be reached at San Benito High School, 637-5831, ext. 314; Mona Trevino can be reached at ext. 318; Tanya De Leon can be reached at ext. 301; and Kim Neander can be reached at ext. 317.
All donations are tax deductible. All donors will be acknowledged at the Baler Gifted Games and a letter of appreciation will be sent to each donor.
