PHOTO GALLERY INTRO: The 6th annual School Games were held on Friday at Santa Barbara City College’s La Playa Stadium, attracting well over 200 local students to compete in the Special Olympics event.
The games began with each school marching around the track following the national anthem. The students then competed in a variety of track & field events.
“The School Games provides the only inter-school athletic competition for children with intellectual disabilities and we are excited to offer these students the opportunity to compete, to have fun, and to be included in a community athletic competition,” says Events Manager Michelle Duke. “The smiles on student’s faces as they compete in their track and field events are absolutely inspiring. ”
Participating schools were: Aliso Elementary, Canalino Elementary, Carpinteria Middle School, Carpinteria High School, Cleveland Elementary, Dos Pueblos High School, El Camino Elementary, Franklin Elementary, Goleta Valley Jr. High and County Program, Harding University Partnership School, Hollister Elementary, Hope Elementary, Isla Vista Elementary, Kellogg Elementary, Mission County School, Monroe Elementary, Mountain View Elementary, Peabody Charter School, San Marcos High School and Transition Program, Santa Barbara High, Santa Barbara Junior High, Santa Ynez High School, Solvang School and Washington Elementary.
Volunteers watch an enthusiastic young thrower compete in the tennis-ball throw. (Presidio Sports Photos)
Each school marched behind a banner while getting cheered on by friends and family.
The American flag carrier and the torch bearer led the procession.
The athletes were awarded ribbons that read “Skill, Courage, Sharing, Joy.”
US Air Force Servicemen and local Police Officers handed out ribbons to the competitors
Miss Santa Barbara Samantha Kelly was there to congratulate the ribbon winners.
Dos Pueblos’ Cristian Quintanar is the Santa Barbara Special Olympics Athlete of the Year.
Special Olympics Events and Volunteer Manager Michelle Duke with Jerry Siegel, who last year was given the Michael W. Harahan Outstanding Adult Volunteer Award for Santa Barbara County Region by Southern California Special Olympics. Dozens of volunteers from the community and local businesses participated.
