READY , SET , GO!
BECOMING ALL-STARS AT THE FIFTH ANNUAL ALL-STAR OLYMPICS The crowd cheered and mascots danced as students from MUSD high schools competed at the highly anticipated All-Star Olympics! Hosted by Sierra High since 2017, the All-Star Olympics is a dedicated sports event for students participating in special education programs. This year the event boasted over 80 participants from all five comprehensive high schools and San Joaquin County programs operating in Manteca Unified high schools. “It is important that our students have access to as many activities as possible, including sports,” shared Derrick Burnett, who is a part of the MUSD Adapted PE Team. “Everyone likes to run and play, be involved with friends, or compete. The All-Star Olympics lets our students come together, catch up with friends from other schools, while allowing friendly competition and exercise.” Mr. Burnett is one of three Adapted PE specialists at the District supporting students’ development of gross
motor skills such as running, jumping, and throwing. The team also develops the activities and games at All-Star Olympics. “We basically modified a traditional track meet to have appropriate events and distances that accommodate our population. We have modified equipment and apply that to typical track events, which allow our students to compete in a way that makes it more accessible for them,” stated Mr. Burnett.
The best part about All-Star Olympics? Students have a blast! Leadership students, teachers, family, and more took to the sidelines as the All-Star athletes lined up on the track’s starting line. Ready? Set? Go! AllStar Athletes took off, competing in a variety of events such as the 50m dash, 50m hurdles, and relay races, all racing down the track to reach their high school mascots who acted as a finish line.
“All-Star Olympics is a unique event that promotes inclusion. I think it creates an awareness and appreciation for all students and is a learning opportunity for everyone involved. We are so grateful to host this event each year, “ – Anne Marie Shaw