Up North: Duluth East holds Special Olympics Unified Sports Track & Field Day

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The mantra ‘sports are for everyone’ is a slogan that was put into practice for the Special Olympics Unified Sports Track & Field Day at Duluth East.

Over 150 students from Cook County, Cloquet, A.I Jedlicka, Proctor, and Duluth East all came out to participate in the Special Olympics Unified Sports Track & Field Day at Duluth East on Tuesday, enjoying the weather and having tons of fun.

“They love it, and this event creates partnerships that foster new friendships and new relationships. So you are seeing kids meet each other, and students from other schools. They have just been having a fantastic time,” said Danette Seboe, the Duluth East Principal.

The event helps go towards Duluth East’s goal of becoming an official Unified Champion school. It’s program that assigns Special Olympics athletes, and athletes without disabilities, to the same teams for training and competition.

“I think it’s a great opportunity so that everyone in the community can help and have fun together regardless of how that is. Really opens up the eyes and it’s good to help,” added Duluth East volunteers Taytem Shields and Sophie Galchus.

Even during breaks in the action, students were able to have fun with a variety of different games on the field.

“There is running, throwing, and jumping events. Then there is activity stations in between from face painting, to bocce ball, latter ball, spike ball and Frisbee. So the students are active the whole time they are here, moving around and staying busy,” added Seboe.

Staying busy, having fun, and enjoying the moment is what it was all about for these amazing athletes.

“It’s been going pretty good. It has been kind of nice but need some shade some times. Maybe make some new friends and play some games I haven’t before,” added Tyler Wiltyn, a participant in the event.