EUSD Special Education Program hosts Summer School Olympics

The Encinitas Union School District’s Special Education Program held its 17th annual Summer School Olympics on July 28 at Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary School.

The event celebrates the end of the summer school program, and was the vision of Lori Miller, a popular Adaptive Physical Education Teacher who died of cancer four years ago. The program has continued to thrive in her honor.

This year, cheerleaders from La Costa Canyon High volunteered to help and gave a performance in the parade which opened the event.

“Encinitas Union School district strives to bring together community by having peer volunteers as well as local youth volunteers to take part in the transformative power of this event,” said EUSD Pupil Personnel Services assistant Tami Wilson. “We know the challenges our students must overcome and the barriers they face every single day, this event showcases their abilities and successes while creating an atmosphere of community that brings about awareness.”

The day began with a parade of athletes displaying their classroom banner and was followed by the students rotating to nine different stations to participate in events. The summer special education program features eight classrooms of around 90 students with a range of disabilities, and the Olympic events are designed to accommodate children of all levels of need. Students worked on skills in basketball, bowling, bean bag toss, baseball, obstacle course and more.

The morning concluded with a ceremony honoring each student with a medal and a certificate of achievement.

Photos by McKenzie Images. Online: www.encinitasadvocate.com.