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Special Acres celebrates Winter Olympic games

Special Acres School in Park Hills recently celebrated its own version of the Winter Olympics. The school for Severely Disabled Students wanted to experience the thrill of victory like the athletes they read about and saw on television. For the weeks leading up to the games, classes read about the real Olympic games and studied their history. One classroom made a big banner for the front hallway that read ‘Special Acres Olympic Games’ while another classroom cut out the pieces to form a giant Olympic mascot and the five rings. A third classroom made torches and posters. The hallway was decorated with flags from countries around the world. Gold trophies with students’ names on them lined one of the walls. Every classroom made their own class flag and chose colors to wear. Many of the classes helped students write their names on the back of their T-shirts. 

The entries included Mr. Doss’ Albatrosses, Debbie’s Dynamos, Doza’s Dozers and Lynne’s Lone Rangers. 

When the big day finally arrived, the whole school met together for opening ceremonies. Their version of the torch arrived and was used to light the giant flame which would burn during the Olympic games. When the flame was lit they all applauded. They pledged to the flag of the United States and recognized all of the participating countries (classrooms). Their flags were all displayed in a prominent location. 

All of the participants were given pom poms to cheer on the athletes. Seven different events were available for students. They included: downhill slalom (wheelchair races through a course of cones), bobsled races (using a wagon), ice skating (dancing to music), ski jumping (using a mini trampoline), speed skating (scooter races), downhill racing (walker races) gymnastic ribbon dancing (we borrowed one summer event). 

All of the students participated in at least two events and many took part in every event. They all enjoyed lunch at the Olympic village. After lunch and a time for refueling they completed all scheduled events. At the conclusion of the games they had a Medal Ceremony where each student was awarded a gold medal. They joined in singing the National Anthem. They had their own fireworks by pulling poppers and letting the confetti fly. The final event was ‘putting out’ the Olympic flame. When the flame went out, they all cheered. 

Every student was a winner.

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