More than 700 students head to MPC for Special Olympics events

UPDATE 6:00PM 04/27/2018:

Hundreds of athletes took over Monterey Peninsula College to compete in several different events, all of them leaving with a smile on their face.

Huge smiles, lots of laughing, all while competing in some of the friendliest competition you can find anywhere. Friday, Monterey Peninsula College hosted the 2018 Monterey County Special Olympics.

The 2018 Monterey County Special Olympics is an annual event that brings all athletes together, no matter what they may be dealing with.

“We really strive to have athletes with disabilities and without disabilities compete on the same team together just to promote that campus of inclusion,” said Special Olympics Area Manager Cameron Bradford.

“It’s really important that these athletes get a chance to shine. They don’t always get a chance to shine out in the community so it’s a good event for all of special needs athletes to get a chance to be out and earn their medals and earn their events,” said Monterey County Adaptive PE Specialist Jennifer Rincon.

And these athletes don’t take their Olympics lightly. They’ve been waiting.

“Our kids train really hard for these events and it’s really important for them to come out and show what they’ve trained for cause they train for about two months,” said Rincon.

“The Special Olympics in Monterey County has been going on for almost two decades. Here at Monterey peninsula College, for about six years. And the event has gotten so big, there are over 700 athletes competing today,” said Reporter Matt Sizemore.

“It’s my dream to run,” said Special Olympics Athlete Jake.

Jake is one of those 700-plus athletes competing Friday, many dealing with different forms of autism. The CDC recently released a report showing a one-point-seven percent increase in US kids born with autism over a two-year period. Today it affects one in every 59 kids born.

But the only numbers these kids care about are how many medals they win.

“I am the fastest! ‘You’re the fastest?’ It’s all about speed, strength, and stamina!” said Special Olympic Athletes Nick and Nick.

All while having too much fun competing.

“I’m bringing the gold, I can’t wait to do this! I’m doing the long jump, and I beat those guys from the long jump,” said Special Olympics Athlete Alexander.

And priceless reactions for these athletes who have so much support behind them.

“It’s like clapping, and cheering! ‘All clapping for you, that must be the best.’ It is the best!” said Jake.

On the track, in the field, or on your tv screen, Friday, these hundreds of unique individuals were stars.

“This is KION reporting live…see ya. Hi Mom!” said Nick.

Over 45 Monterey County schools competed in this year’s Special Olympics. if you’d like to help support their cause, click on this link:

https://www.specialolympics.org/donate-to-charity.aspx

ORIGINAL:

More than 600 students in special education and general education programs made it out for the Special Olympics Monterey Schools Track and Field Event at Monterey Peninsula College.

Special education students had the opportunity to compete in Special Olympics track and field events and earned medals for their accomplishments. General education students will also join in as volunteers and Unified Partners, competing with their special education peers on the same relays. Unified Sports encourages inclusion, awareness and respect at an early age.

KION’s Matt Sizemore will have the story tonight at 5 and 6.