The DuBois/Jefferson County Special Olympics held its 36th annual Track and Field Day in Punxsutawney today.
The event included students from Brookville, Brockway, Punxsutawney, DuBois, and a few private schools, and some parents also tagged along.
“She has Down Syndrome, trisomy 21, but she’s high-functioning and she does pretty much everything normal kids do. She loves cheerleading,” says competitor’s mom Christina Warholak.
Organizers say more than 200 people took part in this Special Olympics event, including Olympians like Serenity Nedza, 10.
“She got this medal for running the 50-meter dash. She had just gotten second place for the jump and Jamie, who you had just interviewed, got first place,” says Warholak.
There was a softball throwing contest, the long jump, running events. and even face painting and dancing to the chicken dance and other music from a DJ.
“He did the javelin throw and he got a bronze medal for third place, and he’s been playing at the Olympic village and next he’s going to do the standing long jump,” says competitor’s mom Kristen Knarr.
“All the kids just love it. You can see the looks on their faces when they compete and they just have a wonderful time. They look forward to this every single year,” says Special Olympics organizer Frank Hetrick.
Hetrick retired from teaching, but still comes to the event that he’s been with since its start in 1980. He likes seeing the old and new faces.
“I’m winning!” says Elias Shah.
“What do you have around your neck there?” we asked. “Medal!” says Jimmy Knarr.
“I get to see lots of my friends,” says George Adams.
Parents enjoy watching the kids compete.
“I thought it was pretty good for the kids and the parents to see them do the different things for school and for Special Olympics,” says competitor’s stepdad John Bottenhorn.
“It’s just all about these athletes and what they can contribute and what they can do. It’s their day to shine and do their best,” says Kristen Knarr.
“I love watching all the kids. All the kids are so happy here,” says Warholak.
Hetrick says their year-round program for Special Olympics includes basketball, soccer, and swimming.