By Kyle LoJacono
Wesley Chapel High hosted the Pasco County East Special Olympics games for the third straight year on Feb. 16, bringing out hundreds of athletes ready to show what they can do.
“It’s one of the highlights of the year,” said Valerie Lundin, co-coordinator of the games. “Everyone from the athletes to the volunteers to the fans look forward to it.”
Special Olympics athletes from the Pasco schools east of the Suncoast Parkway get together to compete in events like soccer, tennis, bocce ball and track and field at the event.
The participating schools marched in a parade around the Wesley Chapel track as part of the opening ceremonies, followed by several athletes running portions of the loop with the Special Olympics torch.
One of the many volunteers at the games was Wesley Chapel High freshman Jade Torres, who was giving back at the event for the first time this year.
“It’s nice to see the athletes just get to enjoy the day and run and play just like everyone else,” Torres said. “It’s just so adorable to see them happy and working hard to win. Seeing them winning is the best part.”
Torres played on the Wesley Chapel girls soccer team this year. Her coach, Michelle Clark, teaches an exceptional student education (ESE) physical education class and suggested Torres volunteer.
“She told me it would be a lot of fun and it is,” Torres said. “Getting to do it here at our school makes it even better. I get to time them and give them high fives when they finish. You can see their accomplishments and hear their family and friends cheering them on.”
Hillsborough County also had Special Olympics for the northern schools at Gaither High on Feb. 17, known as Stampede Day.
One of the Wharton High athletes at the event was Alex Lange, who competed in shot put.
“I’ve done (Stampede Day) four times and I really look forward to supporting my friends from my school,” Lange said. He then added, “I’ve only done the shot put one time before, and it’s actually really easy to learn. You have to put a lot of effort into it though.”
Hillsborough athletes next compete in the area games at the University of South Florida on March 10 for all spring events.
Advancing Pasco athletes in track and field, soccer skills, bocce and tennis go to Pinellas County on March 10 for areas. The soccer area tournament is at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway, on March 24.
