About 110 athletes from Hamburg, Tulpehocken, Fleetwood and Kutztown jumped and ran in the Hawk Olympics, a track and field meet for students with special needs held at Hamburg Area High School’s track on May 2.
“It’s for everyone to get out and interact with athletes from other schools, cheer each other on, build up their confidence and just have an enjoyable day together,” said Alyssa Fink, Life Skills Support Teacher, Hamburg Area High School. “The atmosphere at an event like this is always so positive. Everyone’s happy to be here. Parents are happy to see their kids competing. Teachers, volunteers, everyone’s always smiling and cheering everyone on.”
Student-athletes in kindergarten to ages 21 participated in track and field events, including sprints, relay, standing and running long jump, softball throw, shot put and wheelchair activities.
“We get to see all of the schools come together and support their athletes with special needs and they get to just go out and do their best and just have fun. It’s not about what place they get; they are just so happy to do the events,” said Fink.
Hamburg Area High School student-athlete Mason Ansel, 16, a sophomore, liked participating in the softball throw.
“It’s good. I can spend time with my friends,” said Ansel.
His Mom, Melissa Carroll, along with other members of his family, cheered on Mason during the event.
“I think it’s fun. The kids love it,” said Carroll. “He looks forward to it. He likes it. He’s excited. He loves sports.”
Tulpehocken High School Life Skills teacher Victoria Kramer said the Hawk Olympics are great.
“Everybody gets really excited for it. We spent time in gym practicing our events so that gets us all hyped up and it’s just nice that all of our administrators came out to support us. It’s a nice way for our community to bond and our kids to do something together.”
Kutztown Middle School 8th grade student-athlete Hannah DeVall, 16, was all smiles after winning a ribbon in the softball throw.
“It’s so fun! There’s jumping and running,” said DeVall. Participating in the events makes her feel “good!”
Hamburg Superintendent Richard Mextorf stood on the field, thinking what a great day.
“We have our young people that have special needs and they get a chance to thrive and to shine and to be celebrated for what they can do,” said Mextorf. “We have kids who are really supporting our Life Skills kids.”
Hamburg students volunteered to help out at the event, including those in AP classes and the Life Skills Club.
“And to bring kids from other schools makes it a celebration of what these kids are able to do. It’s really what today is about,” said Mextorf. “Celebrating what’s possible.”
Thinking about the role of public education that says every child without exception, Mextorf said, “We want you here. We want to help you find success. We want to help you find your place in the world. This is a microcosm of that so it warms my heart.”
Fink thanked all of the sponsors and volunteers who made the Hawk Olympics possible. “We wouldn’t be able to do it without them,” said Fink.
