Creating something meaningful starts with solving problems—and Lake Shore Public Schools showcased this beautifully through our Special Athletes Field Day.
This event exemplifies our commitment to inclusion, a core part of Shorian culture. Inclusion fosters belonging, acceptance, and the belief that everyone should feel valued.
Our student-athletes and teams brought this philosophy to life by facilitating engaging activities and supporting their peers throughout the day. Athletes had the opportunity to build physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy while sharing their talents, skills, and friendship with family, fellow athletes, and the broader community.
During our recent MoCI graduation ceremony, one of our graduates shared that participating in Special Athletes Field Day each year was one of his favorite memories from his Lake Shore experience. The smiles, excitement, and connections made throughout the day are a powerful reminder of how meaningful this event is for our special education students and school community.
Special Olympics Michigan plays a vital role by offering year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Events like today's Field Day reflect that same spirit of opportunity and inclusion.
Special Athletes Day continues to be one of the most meaningful end-of-year traditions for our student-athlete leaders.
"This is my 3rd year being a helper at Special Athletes Day, and I have to say, this is my favorite school event at the end of the year!" — Anniyah Downer, 11th grade
"It is so great to be back here as a senior for this event — I couldn't miss my last one!" — Sophia VanDenStorm, 12th grade
We're incredibly grateful to Adapted Physical Education Teacher Cris Belanger, Physical Education/Adaptive PE major student at Grand Valley State University Mark Koski, and our entire Special Education Department for organizing and running such a meaningful event. Thank you also to our Food Service team for a tasty BBQ lunch, the Maintenance and Operations crew for setup and cleanup, families, student-athletes, and participants.
We're also grateful to the students who managed the scoreboard and music during the event.
We appreciate DOX Grillhouse for sponsoring our Special Athletes t-shirts!
We are also incredibly grateful to the Shorian Nation for the heartfelt clap-in and the unwavering love and support you've shown our Special Education students.
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We also arranged a police and fire escort (thank you, Detective Hartman!) for our buses traveling to the Lake Shore High School athletic field. This special sendoff will be an incredible way to help our athletes feel celebrated and recognized — exactly as they deserve.
