Baler Gifted Games will feature nearly 200 athletes from schools
throughout Hollister and Gilroy
The fifth annual Baler Gifted Games, which began as a three-day
event for San Benito High School Life Skills students, has expanded
to feature nearly 200 participants from seven schools in Hollister
and seven in Gilroy.
Baler Gifted Games will feature nearly 200 athletes from schools throughout Hollister and Gilroy
The fifth annual Baler Gifted Games, which began as a three-day event for San Benito High School Life Skills students, has expanded to feature nearly 200 participants from seven schools in Hollister and seven in Gilroy.
Last year, the event became a countywide athletic competition, with 75 students of various ages participating at the high school’s Andy Hardin Field.
“We’ve gotten a lot of positive comments and support from the community,” said Mona Trevino, a SBHS Life Skills teacher and organizer of the Gifted Games, which will be held May 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. “People have been calling to see what can be helped with. Our community supports the fact that all students with any type of disability be included in the event.”
Students with disabilities throughout San Benito County were invited to last year’s event, which expanded to the football stadium. This year, invitations were also extended to Gilroy schools.
Events range from a mile run and long jump to the javelin throw, 50- and 100-yard dashes, softball throw and wheelchair races.
A number of volunteers have signed up and more than 20 SBHS teachers are expected to bring their entire classes to the stadium bleachers to support the athletes. Students from Dave Tari’s advanced sports medicine class have been working with local schools and teachers to develop training schedules for the athletes. They will also be on hand at the event to assist the athletes.
Trevino said organizers still could use bottled water, pop-up tents to shade participants and volunteers and monetary donations to help offset expenses.
For more information or to donate time, materials or money for the Baler Gifted Games, call Mona Trevino at 637-5831, ext. 318 or e-mail her at rt******@sb***.us.
