NSU to host regional Special Olympics – March 9
Published: 2017-02-23
(Tahlequah, Oklahoma) -- Northeastern State University is set to host the regional Special Olympics on March 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Doc Wadley Stadium and track on the Tahlequah campus.
Grandview Schools Special Education teacher and Special Olympics Head Coach Shayla Stewart is the organizer of this event.
Participants are usually from the area schools here in Cherokee County, but this year we are also reaching out to expand the event to more schools in the region, Stewart said.
This regional event provides an opportunity to area students who are unable to travel to the state level Special Olympics.
Parents may not have the time or the means to make it to the other Special Olympic events or their child may be special needs, but not severe enough to participate in the other events. This event is a great opportunity for those students.
NSU Director of Athletics Tony Duckworth said NSU is excited to be involved in the third annual Special Olympics Fun and Field Day.
All of our teams and spirit squads will be involved throughout the day assisting with events and supporting the participants, Duckworth said. Our student-athletes and coaches do a marvelous job each year, and we are excited to be part of the 2017 event."
Stewart said NSU student athletes and College of Education students volunteer to work the event. She said their participation is integral to a smooth-running fun and field day.
Participants in this years event will have the chance to be involved in a variety of track and field events, as well as, bocce, softball throw, face painting and more games.
The Special Olympians really love being on the college field. Its a great experience, Stewart said.
The deadline for anyone wanting to show interest in their student participating is Feb 24 with March 7 being the last date to sign up with the students name and age. Contact Stewart through email at sstewart@grandview.k12.ok.us or by phone at 918-456-5131 x 141.
The community is welcome to come and support the Special Olympians. The event is free and open to the public. There will be concession stands set up by Sodexo and worked by 8th grade Grandview students. A percentage of the money raised at these stands will go towards the Special Olympics.