Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Special Olympics
On Friday, May 22, Leominster Public Schools will host the Special Olympics at Doyle Field, featuring approximately 170 students from six schools across the district.
“This is always a special day for both our students and staff,” said event organizer and APE teacher Peter Charpentier. “Athletes compete and get the opportunity to show off all the hard work they have put in throughout the year as well as get a chance to catch up and visit with former teachers that they have had throughout their time here in Leominster.”
This year’s event will also recognize eight students competing in their final games: Justin Aiesi, Sabrina Budd, Jack Cotoni, Geovana Dos Santos, Trinity LeBlanc, Loida Ramos, Jean Ronald Jean Pierre, and Amber Walls. Some of these students have participated in the School Day Games for as many as 15 years.
“My favorite part of the day is being outside and hanging out with everybody,” said Jean Ronald Jean Pierre, who also stated his favorite events are soccer and running. “I’m excited and a little sad this is my last Special Olympics, but at least I will be spending it outside and spending time with everyone.”
The foundation for the Special Olympics began in the early 1960s at a summer camp run by Eunice Kennedy Shriver at her Maryland farm, Timberlawn. The first international games were held in Chicago in 1968, and since then, the movement has grown into a global event celebrated in communities around the world.
Alongside the athletes, Best Buddies members and Special Olympic Unified Partners from across the district will participate throughout the day. This year’s events will be coordinated by Life Skills mentors, ABA mentors, and the LHS field hockey team. The voice of the Blue Devils, Dick Tucker, will serve as announcer for the event.
“My favorite events are the running and throwing events,” said Jack Cotoni. “I’m excited but also a little nervous. I can’t wait to have fun with everyone.”
Students from Leominster High School will depart for Doyle Field at 9 a.m., while fellow students line the hallways and sidewalks to cheer on the competitors as they board the buses. The LHS marching band will also perform during the send-off.
Student-athletes from Leominster High School, Samoset Middle School, Sky View Middle School, Frances Drake Elementary School, Johnny Appleseed Elementary School, and Priest Street School are all preparing for a day focused on competition, inclusion, and celebration.