Special needs students from around the bay showcase their skills in competitive games
Shawn Rocha
Staff Writer
On November 10, 2016, American hosted its annual Special Olympics. The event provided special needs students from around the Bay Area with the opportunity to socialize and play in a friendly, yet competitive game of soccer.
“Our students don’t get to participate in many of the general education activities,” special education teacher Ms. Patterson said. “This, they can embrace and call it their own, while inviting general ed students to come and participate with special ed students.”
The opening ceremonies kicked off the event, as students from each school walked around the gym as they were introduced. Following each school’s introduction, American’s marching band performed the national anthem. A participant from James Logan high school recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
“I felt that the opening ceremonies brought a very welcoming and warming tone,” AHS student Hannah Harper (11) said.
The participants later made their way to the fields where they played soccer against each other. Participants rotated amongst four fields and played a total of eight games with 15-minute intervals. As the games concluded, students made their way to the photo booth to snap a few pictures and claim their Olympic medals.
“We’ve done this pretty much every year, and this is probably one of the most amazing things I’ve seen at American,” Kenneth Cacacho (12) said. “It doesn’t matter what school you go to, how old you are, or what grade you’re in; here, you are all winners!”
Eagle Era 