South is hosting its 30th annual Special Olympics on Feb. 28.
Special Olympics is an event created to give kids with disabilities a day they won’t forget. Student athletes from many schools around St. Louis come to participate every year. There are going to be approximately 200 Special Olympians attending the tournament this year.
“ I work a lot with students with special needs and it’s really important that we make them feel included and appreciated,” junior Maryan Abdi said.
This is junior class secretary Jenny Nelson’s second time in charge of the event.
“My goal of being in charge is to see it run smoothly and that the special athletes have a great day as well as the teachers leaving here with a good feeling about our school,” Nelson said.
Special Olympics is a basketball tournament for the athletes to compete against other groups. There will also be a Victory Village where students from different clubs will have booths set up that are full of activities for the buddies to participate in and they will also have lunch with their buddy.
Abdi is in Library Club and is participating again in this year’s Special Olympics.
“Last year the Library Club had a bookmark station where students can design their own bookmarks and we’re gonna be doing that booth again this year,” Abdi said.
There is a lot of work that needs to be done in order for Special Olympics to run smoothly, according to sophomore Cheng Peng. He is one of the planners for the event this year.
“I’m on the committee board and I’ll be setting up concession stands and the food area. I’ll also be helping hand things to the refs,” Peng said.
Special Olympics is an opportunity for students to interact with others of different abilities, according to Nelson.
“It’s such a fulfilling event and its nice to see our kids come together and work with special needs students who need a little extra care and help, its a neat way to bridge the two communities together,” Nelson said.
The cost to participate in Special Olympics is $10 including a t-shirt and lunch. Nelson said students are not fully registered until they pay the $10. Students can pay in person at the bookstore or on Infinite Campus. It will take place during the school day and will be during a part of second block through the beginning of 8th block. The deadline to sign up is Feb. 7.
“It’s amazing that South has done this event for so long. I feel lucky, although it’s a lot of work I enjoy being in charge of this event because its such a fulfilling one for so many kids,” Nelson said.
Signup sheets are up all over our school and it is helpful if students consider signing up.
“I participated in it last year and had a lot of fun and I enjoy helping out the community and our school,” Peng said.
