Special education programs from 13 local schools will take part in the first Soccer School Games Competition at Girsh Park on Friday at 9 a.m.
The event, hosted by Special Olympics Santa Barbara, will provide local students in special education classes the opportunity to compete in a soccer tournament against peers from the other schools.
“We partner with Special Education Directors, APE teachers, and class room teachers who teach their students to play soccer, and then participate in the School Games competition,” said Sara Spataro, regional director of Special Olympics Santa Barbara.
The inter-school competition is expected to draw 140 special education students. Participating schools include: Aliso Elementary, Canalino Elementary, Cleveland Elementary, Dos Pueblos High School, Harding Elementary, Hollister Elementary, Isla Vista Elementary, Monroe Elementary, Mountain View Elementary, Peabody Charter School, San Marcos High School, Santa Barbara High School, and Washington Elementary.
The competition will be conducted on three fields. There also will be a wheelchair soccer competition with a large soccer ball, and skills competitions in dribbling, passing and kicking.
The School Games Competition kicks off with opening ceremonies at 9 a.m. and the games begin at 9:30 a.m. Awards are ongoing and will be presented as the games finish, ending at 11:30.
For tournament information contact Tim Philbosian at [email protected] or (805) 884-1516, ext. 101. To volunteer, contact Michelle Duke at [email protected] or (805) 884-1516, ext. 102.
