Tuesday, May 16, 2017

North Schuylkill Hosts First Annual Spartan Games for Children with Special Needs

On Tuesday, North Schuylkill School District hosted the first annual "Spartan Games".

The Spartan Games were a day full of competition, activities, and fun for children with special needs from throughout Schuylkill County.

14 School Districts from in and around Schuylkill County, including almost 500 athletes from grades Kindergarten through 12th grade competed.
Event will include track and field events such as Throwing (Javelin, Tennis, Frisbee); Jumping (Long Jump, Vertical Jump); Running (50 meter race, 100 meter race, 50 meter walk, wheelchair race); and a 4 x 100 relay race (each district enters a team to compete for a team trophy). Ribbons were given out for each event, for 1st through 6th place, and each athlete will also receive a participation medal.

Along with the events, various other activities will be taking place in and around the stadium throughout the day. When athletes are not competing in an event, they participated in a carnival with fun games and activities, including live music, face-painting, a bounce house, and the “Sparty Dance Party”. The North Schuylkill Marching Band and cheer squads will also be on hand to entertain the student-athletes. 

The day concluded with a Mascot Race between all of the participating school’s costumed mascots.

Shenandoah Valley swept the relay race and mascot race and will hold the trophies until next year's event.

The event was funded by donations from school organizations, local businesses, and area hospitals, Lehigh Valley Health Network and Geisinger Health.