On Tuesday, November 17, LBUSD Adapted Physical Education and Special Olympics Southern California hosted the 2015 LBUSD Fall Games at Cabrillo High School.
The LBUSD Adapted Physical Education is a program where physical education teachers come out to the schools to exercise with special education students throughout the day; the Special Olympics Southern California is a branch of the Special Olympics that creates inclusion in sports for everyone regardless of their disabilities.
This is an event where the two organizations came together to have sports training and athletic competitions for the students. It gives the students with disabilities the opportunity to show off their skills and be amazing athletes as well.
This year the event involves a six-week basketball training program geared to teach and develop fitness skills the participants will be able to use every day of their life. A lot of people were encouraged to come out as volunteers to support the athletes as they participated in the competition.
The students were involved in many games and had a good time while they played and had fun with their friends. It was a great time for both the students and the volunteers because everyone was able to get out, be active, and have a good time.
Julia Hasselwander, the Adapted Physical Education teacher at Poly, trained the student athletes for this year’s event. She is a very encouraging figure for the students and motivates them to do their best when they go out to play.
This a great event for the community that has been going on for the past couple years now and, because of the positive success, should be able to continue for years to come. As students learn about the event, they were encouraged to come out and help.
“I have volunteered in Special Olympic events before but never something partnered with the Long Beach schools,” said senior Imani Martin. “I love volunteering and helping out at the other events so it would be great to help out my own school mates.”
Getting the word out about this event should encourage more students from the schools to come out as volunteers and support their fellow classmates.
“It seems like it would be a great event and I would love to come out and bring the team with me next time,” said senior Ayesha Kosaka member of the girl’s basketball team. “Knowing that I am able to help out them out makes me feel good and I would be happy to be able to contribute.
Because of such a great outcome, the two organizations are likely to partner up again in the spring for the 2016 LBUSD Spring Games.
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