“Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” -The Special Olympics Motto.

The Special Olympics marks the time of the year where teachers, students and peers all come together. Hosted in DeSoto for the Jefferson County track meet, the event allows students with cognitive disabilities to participate in competitions with other students in areas that they would normally not be selected in, such as school sports teams.

Cross Categorical teacher Sarah Shackelford and paraprofessional Diane Hilterbrand, as well as the Student Council representatives, helped organize the Special Olympics alongside Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO). Student Council assigns “buddies” to help guide the competitors through the events; it’s a collective effort.

Every member, whether it be a competitor or a teacher, plays a part in creating the collaborative event.

“Special Olympics provides all spectators a moment to feel love, compassion, pride and courage,” Shackelford said. “This event is my favorite experience of the entire year.”

The Special Olympics was founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who created it as an opportunity for those with intellectual disabilities to utilize the benefits of sports. Missouri had its first competitors in 1975 in Marshall, Missouri. Over the past few decades, Missouri has participated in several of the International Special Olympic Games, and in 2013, SOMO was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, being the first state to do so.

Schools from around the county participated in DeSoto. While the activities were competitive, the environment remained friendly and inclusive. In the morning, buses filled the road, delivering various competitors, teachers, buddies and mascots. The Windsor Owl mascot, Hootie, as well as several other school mascots, jovially traversed around the field taking pictures with competitors from all Jefferson County schools.

“One of the benefits of the Special Olympics is that it brings schools together,” Shackelford said.

After giving thanks to the volunteers and donors who made the Special Olympics possible, the games began. Students then engaged in various track-and-field type competitions, such as the 100 meter dash, running and standing long jump, and the softball throw, partitioned to be as fair and inclusive as possible.

Windsor High School provided its own slew of successful competitors. Sophomore Steven “Steve” Robinson won a gold medal for first place in his 100 meter dash and a silver medal for the softball throw.

“My favorite thing is all the medals,” Robinson said.

Senior Sean Rice won a silver medal for the running long jump and a bronze medal for the 100 meter run.

“I feel like I completed something in my last year of high school,” Rice said.

“I am so proud of these kids and all of the buddies,” said Shackelford. “The buddies who participate, the leads who help me, the photographers, Hootie, teachers, parents and the administration who support this event really help this wonderful day come together beautifully. I am so proud and honored to be apart of this special day,” she added.

More information about the Missouri Special Olympics can be found at somo.org.