On May 5, PLNU Education and Family and Consumer Science Department partnered together to host the annual Special Olympics Track and Field Event. It was Jim Johnson’s 14th year directing the even on the PLNU campus. It was also the largest turnout of both athletes and volunteers, who helped in numerous ways, including serving as “buddies,” to athletes, helping them get to and from their events.
Volunteers, many of whom are PLNU students, also ran each event as starters and timers.
“As an elementary school student, I attended a school that had special needs students integrated into our classrooms,” said student Andrea Guy, who volunteered along with her parents and boyfriend. “Their disabilities ranged from severe learning disabilities to medically fragile and orthopedic ally challenged students. With this early exposure my family and I grew a ‘soft spot’ for children with special needs. The most rewarding experience for our family in not necessarily celebrating their achievements, but living the moments of that special day with them.”
“Seeing the determination on [the athletes’] faces, sharing in their happiness, just to be there and experiencing their excitement when they completed their events no matter what place they came in, was priceless,” added PLNU alum Dr. John RogerOn May 5, the School of Education and the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at PLNU hosted the annual San Diego County Regional Special Olympics Track Meet for the 14th time. The more than 500 athletes and volunteers in attendance made this the largest turnout yet.
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