Weeki Wachee High School’s gym was filled with cheers, music, and spectators on Thursday morning to support athletes participating in the third annual Special Olympics. The event, which has grown quickly from a small gathering of two schools to a countywide event featuring about 130 athletes, was hosted by Weeki Wachee High School.
The morning started with an opening ceremony, complete with a torch run and school introductions, before shifting into basketball games, cheerleading performances, and a cornhole exhibition. Participants included students from Fox Chapel Middle School, Central High School, Winding Waters K-8, Weeki Wachee High School, and Hernando High School, with others attending as spectators. Jeanne Ledbetter from Hernando High School and Anne McHugh from Weeki Wachee High School were pivotal in making the event happen. Special Education teacher Christine Ferro also took an important role in organizing the event.
For many of the athletes, most of whom are in self-contained classrooms, the event is about stepping into something new. Practices happen during and after school, led by volunteer coaches, but the biggest moments often come in front of the crowd. Each team has something called a “unified player,” a non-disabled teammate who plays alongside and supports the Special Olympics athlete.
“This is something we want to keep building,” said Anne McHugh. “Every year it gets bigger, and every year you see more students getting involved.” The growth of the event is intentional and shows no signs of slowing down.
Originally reported by Hernando Sun
Sources: Hernando Sun
