The largest annual Spring School Games, put on by Special Olympics Southern California – San Diego County, were held last Thursday at San Diego State’s Aztrack.
The games kicked off with an opening ceremony where more than 200 athletes and 100 teachers from seven schools marched around the track to the same fanfare that plays for athletes at the Olympic games.
Schools from all around Southern California, including Poway, Morse, Whittier and more were in attendance. The athletes, families and volunteers were greeted and thanked by SOSC and Adconion Direct, partner and corporate sponsor for SOSC Spring School Games. After reciting the Olympic Athlete’s oath, the games began. There were three simultaneous soccer games occurring while a soccer skills competition and track events were held on other parts of the Aztrack. This was the first time the event was held at SDSU.
SOSC San Diego Regional Sports Manager Brian Richter said the games were hosted at SDSU because of SOSC CEO Bill Shumard’s ties with SDSU’s athletic director Jim Sterk.
SOSC San Diego Regional Director Karen Terra said the Special Olympics provides community, friendships, increased self-esteem and a life-changing experience for athletes. She also said volunteers benefit just as much as the athletes.
“Just putting a smile on an athlete’s face is just so overwhelming and beautiful,” Terra said. “It’s really a great opportunity to bring the community together and support this organization. I can’t think of a better way for people to really give their volunteer time where you get so much back. You get way more back than you give.”
Terra said SDSU provided resources to fuel the competition.
“I just want to thank SDSU for giving us this opportunity,” she said. “We wanted to develop this partnership with SDSU because it’s hard to find fields like this where we can do a lot of different activities in one location.”
Tourism management senior Julian Maggio is a full-time SOSC volunteer. He worked at the Spring School Games and said it has been a great learning experience.
“I learned that it’s always about the athletes first,” Maggio said. “There’s always going to be people that complain about things that don’t go right but you have to remember what you’re out here for. As long as the athletes have a good time, you did a good job.”
SOSC San Diego has been in operation for 40 years and provides free items for athletes including uniforms, transportation and equipment. SOSC also provided lunch for attendees and every athlete received an award during ceremonies throughout the day. Adconion Direct provided more than 180 volunteers for the games. This Spring School Games is the third event the organization has participated in.
Sophie Demos is a sophomore at Mira Mesa High School and a “Global Messenger” who speaks as an ambassador on behalf of the athletes and SOSC. She’s participated in the games for two years and said the games bring her joy. Her favorite memory was becoming an ambassador for the Special Olympics, she said.
Photo by Kristan Carreon, staff photographer
