Assumption Parish Public Schools held its district-wide Special Olympics at the Assumption Parish Civic Center on May 10, allowing special education students from every school in the district to compete in various events.

“This event is always a great showcase of how our district and community work together to care for and empower our special needs students,” Superintendent Dr. John Barthelemy said.

Special Olympics is an international program to allow individuals with intellectual disabilities who are 8 years of age and older gain access to sports training and athletic competition in more than 20 Olympic type summer and winter sports. The program gives participants continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in sharing.

This year’s event was organized by the Assumption Parish Schools Special Education Department and Pupil Appraisal Staff, APE Teacher Heather Templet, and Occupational Therapist Amie Vitalie.  The Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office and Law Office of Marty Triche provided food and drinks for all participants. Superintendent Barthelemy and Assumption Parish Sheriff Leland Falcon participated in the opening ceremonial parade.

The Assumption High School cheerleaders and spring sport athletes helped the athletes participate in their competitions, and several community volunteers and the Special Olympics staff for the Bayouland Area Region assisted with guidance on the event and resources.

“The annual event enables our students to become one, unified, inclusive and welcoming with a focus on teamwork,” said Special Education Director Margaret Cage. “The event also creates opportunities for students with disabilities to thrive, demonstrate courage and experience a whole lot of fun.”

Cage said special education students from all nine schools in the Assumption Parish Public School System participated in the event.