DA Hosts Spring Games

"Disabled Kids Show Their Ability"
By Elizabeth Templin
Reprinted from the Durham Herald-Sun
Apr 26, 2008

DURHAM -- About 400 local public school students participated in the 23rd Special Olympics Friday morning at the Durham Academy Upper School and 270 DA students participated as volunteer hosts.

"It's a day that gives kids with any type of disability a chance to overcome obstacles and shine," said Kristen Randall of the Durham Parks and Recreation Department. "They may be slower or take different ways to reach their goals, but there is still the same end result, a ribbon."

The morning began with a parade of athletes and a banner competition. Athletes and volunteers filled the track and field as a crowd of people cheered and applauded.

Joanne McCallie, Duke University women's basketball coach, kicked off the event with a speech during the opening ceremonies.

"In the spirit of competition, you get inspired by different things," McCallie said. "You see people wanting to compete at different levels. It's what I'm about."

Participants competed all morning in events that included 25- and 50-meter races, the standing long jump and the softball throw. There was also a non-competitive area where students bowled, participated in egg races and hit balls off tees. Between games students could dance, have their faces painted or grab a cool drink.

"Sports bring a lot of happiness, and the Special Olympics lets people have fun. That's the whole point of the day," said Emmaleigh Keelan, a DA senior.

Phyllis Harris, a teacher at Jordan High School, said that the Special Olympics gives her students opportunities to do things they don't normally do.

"It's a little bit of freedom," said Harris. "It's a chance to show us how independent they can be. They get camaraderie, being outside, exercise and competitiveness."

Jennifer Michalenok, an intervention specialist at Lakewood Elementary School, said the Special Olympics also gives students opportunities to socialize and feel successful about the day.

"This provides kids with an opportunity to be themselves and not worry about fitting in," said Michalenok. "It gives them an opportunity to participate in a community."

Earll Williams, a teacher at Lowe's Grove Middle School, said the Special Olympics are an important event for the city and community to fund because the event provides student participants with a little more freedom and individual attention than they get on a normal school day.

"It's a morale booster and something these kids don't normally get on this scale," said Williams. "They have a lot of fun and get to see old classmates and teachers. It's just a wonderful event."

A committee of 12 DA students help plan the event in addition to the hundreds of students who spend the day as "buddies," each paired with a Special Olympics participant.

"It's the best thing the school does all year," said Caitlin Burk, a DA senior.

DA Headmaster Edward Costello hopes that by hosting the Special Olympics his students get a different perspective on the world.

"It's one of those events that celebrates humanity," Costello said. "It's great for our kids to understand it's a big world out there."