Although the Chester County Special Olympics was canceled this year because of the pandemic, students with special needs in the Owen J. Roberts (OJR) School District were still able to enjoy fitness-based competition, camaraderie and fun at their own Special Olympics-style event on May 14 in Wildcat Stadium at OJR High School.

During the morning, students rotated through a series of stations designed to challenge their running, jumping and throwing skills. Among the stations were a 50-yard dash, a flying disc toss, jump rope, a standing long jump, a bean bag toss and a glow stick bottle toss. There was also a station where students were asked to kick a soccer ball for distance.

Adapted activities were offered for students in wheelchairs. For example, at the soccer ball station, competitors were invited to toss the ball into the soccer net from a distance. At the jump rope station, small cones were used so students could maneuver around them in their wheelchairs. There was also a wheelchair race.

There were 65 participants from kindergarten through grade 12, who were all wearing their distinctive red OJR Special Olympics T-shirts. Parents and family members were invited to come out to cheer for the children and enjoy the festivities while watching from the grandstands.

Typically, Chester County Special Olympics is held in May at Coatesville Area Senior High School and is open to all districts in the county. However, the event was canceled in 2020 and 2021.

"A year ago, we would have been celebrating a milestone, the 50th year of the Special Olympics in Pennsylvania," said Candis Wiese, OJR High School life skills teacher, who greeted the attendees. "We are proud and excited to be moving forward and be given the opportunity to celebrate year 51 as a school community."

Meg Wrubel, OJR High School community connections teacher, reported that 74 life skills and autistic support teachers from the participating schools, as well as paraprofessionals, administrators and other professionals, volunteered throughout the morning either by running a station or by assisting the students.

"We worked with Cristin Burke, Geoff Bal and Joe Milnes, OJR School District supervisors of special education, to coordinate this fantastic day for the students," Wrubel said. "Marisa Stoltzfus, department chair of the OJR High School phys ed department, was also an integral person who created the fun fitness events for the students."

During the opening ceremonies, Wiese recited the oath of Special Olympians, which is, "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."

"We encourage all of our students to find an activity that brings them joy and allows them to share their special gifts with the world," she said. "This (oath) applies not only to athletics, but every aspect of life, and we should all be following this creed."

Quoting a well-known saying, she added, "Try your best, shoot for the moon, for even if you fail, you will land among the stars."