Unifying Community, One Game At A Time.

During the spring, the remarkable sound of light-hearted laughing, blissful bonding and lifelong core memories developing in Hazelwood West’s Wildcats is echoed across the blacktop. 

West High School’s annual hosting of Special Olympics is a chance for special education students from multiple districts to be partnered up as buddies with general-education student-volunteers. They then share a day together, enjoying track and field related events, food, crafts and entertainment.  

However, Special Olympics is not just a day of “trivial” fun. The activities Special Olympics offers allow buddies and volunteers to experience and learn immensely important skills. Modified track activities such as wheelchair racing, the long jump and many more Olympic-type sports are set up with buddies specifically in mind. This creates an environment where buddies are able to more easily partake in physical activities.

Additionally, the day’s games and activities are set up almost entirely by a committee of student volunteers. They must learn how to quickly adapt to certain situations in order to provide an Adequate, comfortable and fun experience for all Buddies. Junior Shahed Motan took on the task of preparing and supplying lunch to the hundreds of buddies and volunteers at last year’s Special Olympics. 

“I wanted to get involved in the Special Olympics because I felt that being able to play games and spend time with the Buddies would help me to better understand and build connections with them.” Motan, 11, said. 

The close partner dynamic of Special Olympics also aids volunteers and buddies alike in learning how to foster relationships with one another. As pairs go through the day, bonding activities such as playing games together, creating artworks and even eating lunch together help partners to truly understand and get to know each other. 

“My favorite memory of Special Olympics is just seeing the smiles on everyone, both the Special Olympics participants and the volunteers. Every single person comes together to have the same amount of fun during the day.” Grace Berendzen, 12 said 

Most importantly, Special Olympics breaks down the physical and mental barriers that buddies often face. The inclusivity of the day ensures that all students are able to let loose and experience a judgement-free day of fun that can be catered to each individual student, leaving no one behind. 

“During the Special Olympics, I get to hang out with my friends and have a lot of fun. I remember I had a partner, and she helped me with the ramps when I played basketball.” Matthew Woods, 11 said. 

“Special Olympics Track & Field celebrates the talent, determination, and hard work of our Special Olympics athletes. The event brings our school community together and brings out the best in our students, staff, and the surrounding community. It takes a lot of work to host this event, but everyone in our school happily pitches in to help. It’s an amazing day for everyone, especially our Special Olympics athletes, and it has become a cherished tradition at Hazelwood West High School.” Said Ms. Susan Bova, the exceptional Special School District teacher who is in charge of setting up, organizing roles and overall running West’s hosting of the Special Olympics.