More than 90 athletes took part in the Owen J. Roberts (OJR) School District Special Olympics held on May 12 at the OJR High School Wildcat Stadium. The students enjoyed fitness-based games, including a flying disc toss, an obstacle course, a bean bag toss, badminton and soccer games and a 50-yard dash. About 175 spectators were on hand for the event, many of whom were family members of the athletes.

Participants were from OJR High School, OJR Middle School and French Creek, West Vincent and North Coventry elementary schools. The event began with an opening ceremony, during which OJR High School sophomore Serena Barone sang the national anthem.

The day featured sunny skies, which was a complete reversal from last year's Special Olympics, held during a rain-dampened morning. "It was a gorgeous morning out on the hill for some fitness," said Margaret Wrubel, OJR High School community connections teacher. "This was our third OJR Special Olympics at Wildcat Stadium, and we truly enjoyed seeing all the smiling faces."

Wrubel and Megan Harpold are the co-advisers of the Best Buddies Club at OJR High School, a peer program that pairs high school students with "Buddies" with special needs. The students and their Buddies meet throughout the year to enjoy recreational activities. High school students from the club volunteered to work at the various fitness stations during Special Olympics. The games were designed by Marisa Stoltzfus, head department chair of the OJR High School physical education team.

The special needs students were accompanied to Special Olympics by faculty and staff members from the OJR School District life skills and autistic support programs. "Special appreciation goes out to the paraprofessionals ... who provide the compassion and kindness to the students every day," said Wrubel.

Following the games, the culminating group activity was a water balloon toss. Face painting was offered to the athletes, and all in attendance were treated to a soft pretzel. Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation provided a donation toward the cost of the pretzels, which were purchased for a discount from the Phoenixville Philly Pretzel Factory.

Wrubel credited a host of OJR faculty and administration staff for their support, including special education supervisors Geoff Ball, Cristin Burke and Joe Milnes; superintendent Will Stout; Randy Cuthbert, OJR athletic director; field maintenance director John Young; Joe Inzone and the OJR High School security team; Ryan Monaghan, who oversaw the running event; Reagan Jones, OJR High School nurse; and photographer Jessica Marzella.

To view a video of Special Olympics, visit http://www.youtube.com and search for "Owen J. Roberts Special Olympics - May 2023."

In addition to the Special Olympics, OJR High School students took part in the 2023 Buddy Ball held on May 6. The event was hosted by the Marple Newtown Best Buddies Club at Marple Newtown High School in Newtown Square. During the event, which was open to Best Buddies Clubs throughout the region, students dressed in formal attire were treated to a free dinner, games and dancing.