SACO —  Saco School students were excited to attend the York County Special Olympic Track and Field event on May 18.

Noble High School in North Berwick hosted schools from all over York County for students in grades K-12 to participate in events such as 10m walk, 50m run, 100m run, 200m run, 400m run, softball throw, shot put, running long jump, and standing long jump. This year also featured a Unified 4x100 relay with two Unified Partners and two Athletes on each team in which two teams participated from Saco Middle School.

Saco athletes from Fairfield School, Young School, CK Burns School, Saco Middle School, and Thornton Academy traveled down for the event.  Sixteen athletes from grades K-8 and five Unified Partners from SMS participated.

Saco’s District Physical Therapist, Kelsey McVey, helped organize the teams.

“Each building gathered outside their schools or hallways to cheer on the members attending the games as they boarded the bus,” said McVey.  “It was a great community feeling. Everyone was so excited to go back to the York County Games. The Athletes were buzzing with adrenaline and joy all day!”

Special Olympian athlete Keegan Romage competes in the Unified Rally as Michael Atkins SMS Teacher runs by his side. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Once the games began, staff, parents, community members, and peers were on the sidelines cheering on teammates.

“The York County Special Olympic games unify so many students across the state, and we are lucky Saco could be a part of it. Watching our students achieve the honor of standing on the awards podium and being celebrated by so many others gives great meaning to the teams across the state,” said Jessica Clark, director of instructional support.

The Saco Special Olympic Teams would like to thank the Special Education Department for sponsoring this field trip for Saco students, Hannaford in Saco for donating water and snacks, and the coaches, staff, and volunteers that helped the athletes prepare for and participate in this special day.  To watch the Special Olympics Team’s send-off, view this YouTube video:  https://youtu.be/pCk1eopgTFA

Special Olympics is a global organization that serves athletes with intellectual disabilities working with hundreds of thousands of volunteers and coaches each year. Established in 1968, the Special Olympics reaches individuals all over the globe.  Individuals with disabilities are able to participate in athletic competitions to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills, and friendships. To read more, visit https://www.specialolympics.org/programs/united-states/maine .