Carl J. Lamb Elementary School hosted its third annual Adaptive Track and Field Festival on Thursday, May 28, bringing together students, families, staff, and community members for a day of competition, camaraderie, and celebration. Preparation for the event began well before the big day. Throughout the year, the team used adaptive P.E. classes to teach and practice the skills athletes would need for the festival, while also coordinating with case managers to tailor the event to each student's individual strengths and goals. The event was organized by health and physical education teacher Tatyana Wolterbeek, alongside colleague Dave Eldridge and Kathy McCall, Assistant Special Education Director for the Sanford School Department. This year, organizers made a focused effort to build understanding and inclusion across the entire school. Slideshows were shared in classrooms school-wide, helping students recognize that everyone has different abilities, some visible and some not, and that all students are capable of succeeding in everyday tasks. That message was felt throughout the day. The festival followed a specific format: athletes gathered for a group photo before the parade of athletes marched through the school hallways and out to the field for the opening ceremony, complete with the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem, performed by Carl J. Lamb’s 4th Grade Chorus. Students from Pre-K through fourth grade lined the hallways and sidewalks, cheering on their classmates as they passed. Competition events included the 100-yard run, 50-yard hurdle dash, standing long jump, turbo javelin throw, softball throw, and parachute activities, each designed to give athletes the chance to shine. For Wolterbeek, whose behind-the-scenes work was central to making the day a success, the real reward came in watching the athletes themselves. "The highlight of the day was seeing the athletes shine. There is nothing like seeing their faces when they compete, enjoy something designed specifically for them, and receive their medals. Having their classmates and teachers cheering them on really is the cherry on top. It creates such a strong, inclusive environment. We are so grateful for our community support, from the PTA sponsoring our t-shirts to the 4th-grade volunteers, chorus members, and staff who stepped up to help run events. It makes such a difference to the athletes." Skvorak, whose chorus helped open the celebration, shared a similar feeling. "The Carl J. Lamb Adaptive Track and Field Event was an incredible showcase of our students' talents, our school culture, and the support for our students. Watching our athletes shine while being cheered on by their peers was such a special experience, and was the best way to celebrate their successes!"

Carl J. Lamb Hosts Third Annual Adaptive Track and Field Festival

Sanford School Department

June 5, 2026

Carl J. Lamb Elementary School hosted its third annual Adaptive Track and Field Festival on Thursday, May 28, bringing together students, families, staff, and community members for a day of competition, camaraderie, and celebration.

Preparation for the event began well before the big day. Throughout the year, the team used adaptive P.E. classes to teach and practice the skills athletes would need for the festival, while also coordinating with case managers to tailor the event to each student's individual strengths and goals.

The event was organized by health and physical education teacher Tatyana Wolterbeek, alongside colleague Dave Eldridge and Kathy McCall, Assistant Special Education Director for the Sanford School Department. This year, organizers made a focused effort to build understanding and inclusion across the entire school. Slideshows were shared in classrooms school-wide, helping students recognize that everyone has different abilities, some visible and some not, and that all students are capable of succeeding in everyday tasks. That message was felt throughout the day.

The festival followed a specific format: athletes gathered for a group photo before the parade of athletes marched through the school hallways and out to the field for the opening ceremony, complete with the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem, performed by Carl J. Lamb’s 4th Grade Chorus. Students from Pre-K through fourth grade lined the hallways and sidewalks, cheering on their classmates as they passed.

Competition events included the 100-yard run, 50-yard hurdle dash, standing long jump, turbo javelin throw, softball throw, and parachute activities, each designed to give athletes the chance to shine.

For Wolterbeek, whose behind-the-scenes work was central to making the day a success, the real reward came in watching the athletes themselves. "The highlight of the day was seeing the athletes shine. There is nothing like seeing their faces when they compete, enjoy something designed specifically for them, and receive their medals. Having their classmates and teachers cheering them on really is the cherry on top. It creates such a strong, inclusive environment. We are so grateful for our community support, from the PTA sponsoring our t-shirts to the 4th-grade volunteers, chorus members, and staff who stepped up to help run events. It makes such a difference to the athletes."

Skvorak, whose chorus helped open the celebration, shared a similar feeling. "The Carl J. Lamb Adaptive Track and Field Event was an incredible showcase of our students' talents, our school culture, and the support for our students. Watching our athletes shine while being cheered on by their peers was such a special experience, and was the best way to celebrate their successes!"