What started two decades ago with a student, a challenge by a Power Glen Public School teacher and a 100-metre wheelchair race has grown into something even Andy Dermatas could not have imagined. More than 1,000 students spread across Centennial High School’s athletic field on a cool June morning, competing in athletic events ranging from long jump, javelin throwing and a 50-metre dash to a bean bag toss and a brand new obstacle course — just to name a few. Celebrating the 19th Special Olympics at the District School Board of Niagara, Dermatas said it was that small idea — finding a way to make sure every student could participate at the school’s track event — and the buzz it created that led to everything else.
“We approached senior admin and with open arms, they welcomed the idea. We’ve had nothing but support from senior administration. Kelly Pisek, our director, has been an integral part of helping this grow,” said Dermatas, DSBN Special Olympics co-ordinator and co-founder of the event alongside Bryn Keyes.
“Truly, today happens because of so many volunteers. It’s all the people running the events and their positivity that puts the smiles on the kids faces. But the stars of the show are definitely the athletes.
” Each year, the Special Olympics committee selects students to be designated torch bearers — someone with a story that highlights the student voice. This year, Eden Secondary School students Katelyn Haney and Devon Botbyl were selected to b.
