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Girard to host 6th annual Special Olympics Track Meet
By Curtis Pulliam
GIRARD
The Girard Special Olympics Track and Field meet has been going on for five years, but for Judy Barber the thrill doesn’t change.
“I love seeing the excitement on the kids’ faces when they step off of the buses,” Barber said.
Barber is one of many volunteers who help set up the annual event.
This will be its sixth year.
The event happens Saturday and consists of regular track and field activities at Arrowhead Stadium. It will start at 9:45 a.m. and go until 3 p.m.
“The kids get joy from competeing and the crowd,” Barber said.
The event has doubled in participants the last few years. More than 400 athletes are expected Saturday.
Teams from 13 counties in Ohio and Pennslyvania are expected.
Many Girard High School students help out with the event, including Barber’s robotics team.
“When the regular students interact with the other students there is enjoyment on both ends,” Barber said. “There is also a mutual respect and admiration. You can’t walk away without a smile.”
Joe Jeswald was the Girard City Schools superintendent when he decided this event would be great for the community.
“It was something we always wanted to do,” he said.
Jeswald says the event is extremely rewarding for him and all involved.
“The best part of the event is the positive affect that it has on the kids in it and helping,” Jeswald said. “The event is special because the kids are truly special.”
More than 200 volunteers from the Girard City Schools, community service groups and businesses will help this year.
Barber is hoping many people come out to the event.
“Girard is a very proud community,” Barber said. “The community support means a lot.”
The event is sponsered by the Girard-Liberty Rotary Club, Girard City Schools and Fairhaven Speical Olympics.
An opeing ceremony will begin the day and will be followed by a balloon release.
The event is free and open to the public.