Building on the success of last year's event, Owen J. Roberts (OJR) School District recently hosted its own Special Olympics, which gave special needs students an opportunity to take part in fun, fitness-based games while enjoying friendly competition and camaraderie.

About 80 student-athletes from OJR High School, OJR Middle School and French Creek, West Vincent and North Coventry elementary schools took part in the Special Olympics, which was held on May 13 at Wildcat Stadium at OJR High School. Also in attendance were 85 staff and faculty members and about 175 spectators, many of whom were family members.

Despite the gloomy weather, the student-athletes were enthusiastic about the day's activities. "It was a rain-drenched morning, yet we braved through the storm and held strong just for a clearing in the sky," said Margaret Wrubel, OJR High School community connections teacher.

Candis Wiese, OJR High School life skills teacher, welcomed attendees and recited the oath of Special Olympians, which is, "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."

"OJR senior Danny Flogaus sang the national anthem," Wrubel noted. "We were so delighted to have a live performance during our opening ceremony."

Wiese and Wrubel 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.

During the Special Olympics, the student-athletes rotated through a series of stations designed to challenge their running, jumping and throwing skills. Among the stations were an obstacle course, a 50-yard dash, a soccer ball kick and pool noodle baseball. The culminating event was a water balloon toss.

"The Best Buddies members and also some high school boys' lacrosse players volunteered to run the stations," Wrubel said.

The special day did not end when the students left the field. When the athletes returned to their respective schools, the entire student body welcomed them with cheers and congratulatory signs and banners.

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; athletic secretary Amy Holland; field maintenance director John Young; Joe Inzone and the OJR High School security team; Marisa Stoltzfus, chair of the OJR High School physical education department, who organized the fitness activities; Dr. Ryan Monaghan, who oversaw the running event; and Reagan Jones, OJR High School nurse.

"Special appreciation goes out to the paraprofessionals in the OJR School District life skills and autistic support programs who provide the compassion and kindness to the students every day ... and the parents of the OJR School District students who support their children every day," Wrubel added.