Carl J. Lamb Elementary School's second annual Adaptive Track and Field event brought together students, families, staff, and community members for a celebration on Thursday, May 29. The day was filled with competition, camaraderie, and joy as the entire school community came together to cheer on their adaptive athletes.
The event was organized by health and physical education teacher Tatyana Wolterbeek, working alongside Mr. Eldridge and IEP Coordinator Kathy McCall. Their year-long preparation included practicing events during adaptive PE classes and coordinating with various school departments to ensure every detail was perfect.
"Our goal was to show the parents and general education staff how our students can shine in an adaptive setting," explained Wolterbeek. This year's event included a special new feature – parents were invited to watch their children compete.
One of the most touching aspects of the day was seeing fourth-grade students step up as volunteers, as they helped each participant feel included and supported. The event also featured volunteers from the school chorus, high school students, support staff, and School Resource Officer Joe Jourdain, who had the honor of presenting medals to each participant.
"This is one of my favorite days of the school," Carl J. Lamb Principal Sherri Baron shared. "To see our athletes rise to the occasion, cheer each other on while also being fierce competitors, and receive a medal for their teamwork simply warms your heart. The pride on the faces of our athletes is something that stays with you."
The day began with careful coordination as athletes gathered in the gymnasium at 8:35 am for a group photo before lining up for the parade. At 8:45 am, fourth-grade student volunteers and the fourth-grade chorus took their positions to help with the festivities. The entire school participated in creating a "tunnel of support" as students from Pre-K through fourth grade lined the hallways and sidewalks, holding colorful handmade posters to cheer on their classmates.
At 9:00 am, the parade of athletes began their march through the school hallways and out to the field for the opening ceremony. The celebration officially started at 9:10 am with a welcome to all athletes, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem performed by the fourth-grade chorus. After the ceremonial "Let the games begin," athletes headed to their first stations for nearly two hours of competition from 9:15 to 11:00 am.
The day's events included the 100-yard run, 50-yard dash, standing long jump, turbo javelin throw, softball throw, and parachute activities. The parade of athletes and opening ceremony allowed the entire school community to celebrate and recognize their adaptive athletes – an opportunity that doesn't always present itself during the regular school year.
The event was made possible through generous community support. The PTA sponsored t-shirts for all athletes and special education staff, helping create a sense of unity and belonging.