WELLINGTON COUNTY – Splitting into a pair of events this year, the 21st edition of the Special Olympics for local students is ready to kick off next week.
Banding together will be the Upper Grand District School Board and the Wellington Catholic District School Board, as well as Community Living Guelph/Wellington and other local partners.
The first of two events will take place May 14th, and include students from Centre Wellington and Guelph, held at St. James Sports Field in Guelph.
The second date will be for those out of Upper Grand schools in North Wellington and Dufferin the following week, May 21st.
Nicole Wilson, a Special Education Resource Teacher in the Wellington Catholic District School Board, says the event heads into year 21 with a new, and very fitting motto.
1,300 people will be present for the kickoff between athletes, peer coaches, staff and volunteers, with the opening ceremony slated for 10 a.m.
Wilson explains there simply wasn’t enough space to accommodate growing demand, which led to the shift to a two-venue approach.
“We’ve had so many participants,” she said in detailing the second event to be held at Orangeville District Secondary School.
Wilson went on to say one thing will be in common for both days – an array of activities for all participants.
Discussing the importance of this event, Wilson says she expects it will bring nothing but jubilation to all involved.
The ultimate goal, Wilson says, is for those at the event to feel happy, healthy and loved in a safe space. “Every student has the right to safety and belonging,” she said.
For a full list of events and additional information, find the joint news release here.
