COLUMBUS, Ind. — About 100 elementary and Pre-K students recently gathered at Columbus North High School for a field day centered not just on athletics, but also inclusivity.
The Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. held a Young Athletes field event at North on Wednesday, with students from the school corp.’s Pre-K program, Schmitt and Clifty Creek elementary schools participating — some with special needs, and others without. There were also volunteers from the high school level.
Pre-K director Kellie McIntyre described it as an end-of-the-year event celebrating the work of BCSC staff and students. The students have been practicing for the field event since January and participated in activities such as running, hurdle jumping, balancing, and kicking and throwing balls. She estimated the number of field day participants at about 100.
“It’s exciting to see these kids (with special needs) kind of be leaders in the Young Athletes program, which I think they don’t have that opportunity in sports sometimes,” she said. “And so this is a really big opportunity and exciting opportunity for them to be the leaders, and their peers are kind of following their lead.”
Busy Bees students take part in Special Olympics Young Athletes field day at Columbus North High School in Columbus, Ind., Wednesday, May 10, 2023.
For the complete story and more photos, see Friday’s Republic.
