Special ed students at San Benito High School joyfully run, jump
and even toss Frisbees
”
Run like the wind!
”
was yelled enthusiastically over the sound of applause coming
from the bleachers. The competitors dashed by, their strides
kicking up a trail of dust above the gray track at San Benito High
School. At the finish line, high-fives were slapped and faces that
were just before filled with focus and determination immediately
softened into proud smiles. The sportsmanship was first-class, the
energy was contagious, and the fun seemed limitless.
Special ed students at San Benito High School joyfully run, jump and even toss Frisbees
“Run like the wind!” was yelled enthusiastically over the sound of applause coming from the bleachers. The competitors dashed by, their strides kicking up a trail of dust above the gray track at San Benito High School. At the finish line, high-fives were slapped and faces that were just before filled with focus and determination immediately softened into proud smiles. The sportsmanship was first-class, the energy was contagious, and the fun seemed limitless.
Welcome to the first-ever Baler Gifted Games, a series of competitive track-and-field events for the students in the Special Education Program at San Benito High School. Like a scaled-down version of the Special Olympics, the Baler Gifted Games provide a competitive opportunity for students who would not normally get the chance to vie against their peers in an athletic environment.
The Gifted Games, which were sponsored by several local individuals and businesses, span several days of competition and are being held during the regular school day. May 16 kicked off the games with the opening ceremonies, a 20-yard dash and the Frisbee toss, followed by events on May 18 and 22. May 31 will be the last day of competition, followed by the closing ceremonies, awards, and a potluck barbecue on June 6. All events are held on the track and football field at San Benito High School from 11 a.m. until 12:15 p.m.
The games have drawn a following of parents, friends, school administrators and other students. And while the bleachers have not been full for the events, what the loyal crowd lacked in numbers was more than made up for in its enthusiasm and support for the hard-working competitors.
“We’ve really been impressed with the kids’ parents who’ve taken time off from work,” said Margaret O’Donnell, an instructional aide in the Special Education program. Parents, even grandparents, took their places on the sidelines, never taking their eyes off the action. Not only was there competition to watch, the loving supporters wouldn’t dream of missing the occasional wave or blown kiss from their children on the field.
In between events, one parent, Afton Potts, expressed her thoughts on the importance of the Gifted Games.
“They learn what competitiveness is about, but they’re all rewarded,” said the mom with her camera slung over her shoulder as she walked from the bleachers to the long-jump pit. Her daughter, Lenae, seemed never to tire of the recreation or the merriment, enjoying the praise and attention just as much as the events themselves.
“She loves to be front and center,” laughed her mom.
Helping the games succeed were a group of student mentors from the high school’s sports medicine program. These students, many of them seniors and advanced sports medicine trainers, have been helping the Special Education students prepare for the Gifted Games since last December. Together, they lifted weights, ran laps around the track and practiced their landings in the sand pit at the end of the long jump. The dedicated mentors not only saw an improvement in athletic skills among the Special Education students, but they also noted a change in their attitudes.
“Once we started the first event, their competitiveness went up,” said senior Tony Casada. “They stepped it up a notch.”
Senior Corinne Evans noticed similar changes.
“They’re so much more excited,” she said, noting one difference between practices and game days.
And the excitement showed.
Horacio Aguirre barely hit the ground after a turn at the long jump before raising both arms up in the air in jubilation. Malia Yoshikawa seemed to complete every heat of the sprinting events with a huge smile on her face. And Dale Farney must have shared hugs with his mom and grandparents at least three times during just one day’s competition.
After Monday’s events, Autumn Kanaga reveled in the satisfaction of having completed another round of events.
“It was a bit hard, a little tiring, but it was fun,” she said thoughtfully as she pushed her long brown hair behind her shoulder. When asked about her favorite part, she barely hesitated before responding, “being faster than the other people!”
Future versions of the Gifted Games might involve weekend competition or include younger students from area elementary and middle schools. Maybe even a trip to Gilroy to compete on a more regional level.
But organizers, mentors and spectators of this year’s Gifted Games have been focusing on the present, helping the Special Education students enjoy every minute. Smiles and hugs have been as much a part of the schedule as have finish lines and first place standings as the students experience both competitiveness and sportsmanship.
And, as every athlete also learns, there is always time to appreciate those who show up and occupy the sidelines with their unconditional support. During Monday’s games, instructional aide Jill Ichien provided a gentle reminder of this.
“You’ve got fans here. Go say hi to your fans!”
