BY SABRINE BRISMEUR
Cheers and laughter at the track could be heard from the central Cooper City High campus, as CCHS hosted the Special Olympics Track and Field event for the second year in a row. The Special Olympics of Broward County, based in Davie, organizes a series of annual sports events for Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“It’s really great seeing all the kids smiling and having fun,” Junior Katharine Smith, a member of JROTC, said. “They’re enjoying themselves, and that’s all that matters.”
Members of Best Buddies and NJROTC helped organize the event at the CCHS track, and could be seen throughout the day encouraging students, coordinating events, and assisting with lunch, which was served just before students returned to their home schools. Yearbook photographers were present throughout the event to capture the moment.
“What we want to see is every child smiling and participating, and having a great time,” volleyball coach and event coordinator Jill Smitherman said.
Multiple schools in the southern Broward region attended, ranging from elementary to high schools. In total, around 600 people were present.
“We wanted to capture the smiles, laughs, and bliss of all the participants and the bonds that they shared with the adults and the kids who work with them,” Yearbook photographer Raquel Gonzalez said. “It was so amazing to watch because for the most part, the kids don’t get the opportunity to be a part of a sports event, and this was their chance.”
From ten to twelve, student athletes participated in a myriad of track and field events, relaxing in their school tents in between events or taking solace from the beating of the Florida sun inside the air-conditioned gym.
Gabby Sumkin, a member of Best Buddies who attended last year with her Buddy Christina, raved about the organization and event at CCHS.
“All of the kids love it, and it’s even better that it takes place right at the CCHS track,” she said. “There’s photographers, pizza, and music, so everyone always has a great time.”
The track events included a 25 to 100 meter assisted and unassisted walks, a 25-meter wheelchair race, a 50-meter dash, a 100-meter dash. Field activities ranged from long jump and shotput to hula hoops and tennis throws.
The smiles, cheers, and laughs throughout the day were contagious, as participating students socialized and supported each other through the sports events.
“The whole thing was dedicated to them and there was no goal other than making sure they had the time of their lives,” Gonzalez added.
