Big smiles shined across the faces of special needs kids from throughout Hart School District recently for the fifth annual Hart Games. Excited parents and ASB students and track teams cheered for participants at this Special Olympics-type event held at the Valencia High School stadium. Competitors received ribbons for participating in track and field events such as 4 X100 relay, shot-put, softball toss, 100 meter hurdles, long jump, and high jump.

While every participant was excited to complete his or her events, many student athletes were very competitive and gave it their all. Adaptive physical education teacher and event director Patti Miller said students prepare up to two months prior to the event in their physical education classes.

The idea for a Hart Games came to Miller after realizing special needs kids would benefit from this type of physical activity and competition.

“Students take pride in the event, by wearing ribbons to school all week following the events, and wearing tee-shirts all school year,” Miller said. Her favorite part of the annual event, “When they cross the finish line, first or last, I like to see their determined faces, sweat, tears of joy and big smiles.”

The track meet began with a powerful presentation of the national anthem, sung by a middle school participant un-phased by the hundreds of listeners in the stadium’s bleachers. An opening lap ensued with the children running, walking, and wheeling around the track displaying their colors, banners, and smiling faces for parents and spectators in the stands.

Next the opening cap-gun started the competition. A series of events simultaneously happened on the field and track over the next few hours. Each student shared a moment of glory, as track and ASB students embraced them regardless if they finished first or last.

Jamie Timmins, assistant principal and special education administrator of Valencia High School, enjoys the event every year, because students have fun and mature year to year. Timmins said the event gives students an opportunity to shine and share a moment.

“It’s wonderful to bring all students together and give them an opportunity to show what they can do in a track event designed for them,” she said.

La Mesa Junior High, Rio Norte Junior High, Canyon High, Golden Valley High, Valencia High, Hart High, and Trinity Classical Academy all brought buses of students to compete and cheer for their peers during the event. Valencia High School provided more than 40 volunteers and all the required equipment to ensure the event’s success.

Kimmy Baggelaar, Valencia High School sophomore and school representative to the District’s Student Communications Council said Valencia ASB was in charge of passing out brochures and having volunteers at each event. She said it is her second time assisting with the event, and she looked forward to it because, “It gets everyone involved.”

Special thanks to Special Olympics, which donated the shirts and the WiSH Education Foundation, which donated $2500 to Hart District Special Education for these games.