Published: May 08, 2008 11:57 am            

Angie Debo students head to Special Olympics

EDMOND — The Halls of Angie Debo Elementary were full of excitement Wednesday as students cheered on their 18-member Special Olympic Team, which will compete today in Stillwater. Team members waved pompoms and American flags to their classmates’ chants and rendition of “We Will Rock You.”

Special Olympics is an international nonprofit organization that empowers individuals with intellectual abilities to become physically fit and productive members of society through fitness and competition.

“We want our students to know we love and support them,” said Kelly Fraught, assistant principal. “This school is amazing at supporting special needs kids.”

Tonya Alexander watched with tears in her eyes when her 8-year-old daughter, Haylee, walked by. Alexander said her daughter, who is mentally disabled, will compete in the softball throw and the 50-meter dash. She said she is very proud of her daughter.

“It’s really built up her coordination,” Alexander said. “She’s able to do so much more.”

Tammy Nixon said her 8-year-old daughter, Lindsay, is developmentally delayed and will compete in Stars of the Future, where participants will practice running, the softball throw and the standing long jump.

“It’s her first year so she’s excited,” Nixon said. “I think it’s going to be so much fun for her to be with peers and other kids.”

Cameron Dollison, 10, said he wants to try to win first place. He said he will compete in the softball throw and track.

Susan Kidwell, special education teacher, said they have been practicing for the Special Olympics all year during physical education and their gross motor activity time at Oklahoma Christian University. She said the Special Olympics is a great confidence builder for the students.

“They look forward to it,” Kidwell said.

        

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