The first annual Baler Gifted Games is scheduled to begin on
Tuesday, May 16, and will feature special education students from
the 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 first annual Baler Gifted Games is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, May 16, and will feature special education students from the 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 will not be unlike the Special Olympics, in that it will feature disabled athletes participating in structured events for glory’s sake alone.
Coordinators Dave Tari and Ramona Trevino said that the community has been amazingly supportive of their endeavor. They have had more help and support than they ever hoped to receive and are convinced that this will be the start of an annual event.
“This sort of snowballed into something we didn’t know it would become,” Tari said.
For the student athletes and the peer helpers it has been a great learning experience.
“We wanted to start putting together a competition for the Special Ed kids. Something where they can compete and say, ‘Look what I did!'” Tari said. “While special ed students are not banned from participating in regular athletics, many, because of their developmental and/or physical challenges, are not able to participate. Some of it also has to do with parent and bus constraints.
“We’ll likely alter things next year. We want to continue this and continue to emphasize the fun aspect of it. One of the changes I’d like to make next year is to possible change the name to the Gary Goularte Games. He’s always been very supportive of these kids; he was like their Santa Claus.”
The games take place on school days between the hours of 11:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. on consecutive red schedule days running through June 6.
