Special Olympics bowling drew strong turnout; track meet planned at Burwick High

St. Mary Parish — Committee members celebrated recent Special Olympics events and asked the community to support upcoming activities.

Deborah McLaren, director of special education, said the district held a trick-or-treat bowling activity around Halloween and separate bowling sessions in November so students would not miss Friday night football. "Bowling actually was November. We had our high schools there on the sixth because of Friday night football. We didn't want to take them away," she said. McLaren said organizers observed that students had more space and time to participate this year and that future bowling will be held in two cycles to reduce sensory overload.

McLaren said the events cost more to run under the two-cycle format but were "well worth the time and the energy" because of strong attendance from parents, school board members and student volunteers. She identified student volunteer groups and school ambassadors who supported the events and thanked bus drivers who arranged transport despite a breakdown during one trip.

On future events, McLaren said the Special Olympics track meet is planned for Burwick High School but that a date has not been set; she said she may set the date in January because of spring rain in April. "I have not set the date yet because it's very hard to set the date in April because... that's the rainy months," she said, and urged community members to attend and support the children.

Why it matters: The events provide inclusive athletic opportunities and social interaction for students with disabilities and involve volunteers and school staff across the district.

What’s next: McLaren will announce the track-meet date when confirmed and encouraged SEAP members and families to attend future events.