Hampton Roads children with disabilities compete in Little Feet Meet

ByDamageControlman3rdClass

AshleyN.Pierson

NORFOLK,Va Childrenwithdisabilities from15 Hampton Roads area elementaryschoolsparticipatedinthe14thannual

Little Feet Meet at Old Dominion University’s Ballard Stadium in Norfolk,VA, April 4th, 2023

Approximately 600 students and 187 volunteerswereinattendance,32ofwhich were Naval Station Norfolk Sailors “I feel like, with my son having autism, there aren’t a lot of things out there designed for him but I’m really excited for him to have this opportunity to do things he loves and shine while being himself,” said Rachelle Henry, a parent of one of the participants.

The Special Olympics organization partnered with local schools to provide students with intellectual disabilities the opportunitytoparticipatein19sensoryand non-sensory-based,physical,andtrackand field activities. The activities ranged from playground parachute games, to obstacle courses,ballgames,andraces Thepurpose of the event is to allow these children the opportunitytoshowtheirabilitiesandhave fun while playing as a unified group

“It’s amazing to have the opportunity to behereandhelpputsomethingtogetherfor the kids that everyone can participate and contribute to in their own way,” said Staff Sergeant Antonio Enriquez, a volunteer fromJointExpeditionaryBaseLittleCreek.

Afterafun-filleddayofplaying thechildrengatheredwiththeirteachersandlined up for the buses to head back to school.

All participating students in attendance received a medal for a job well done

“The main take-away is seeing the kids that people often think are not able to do thingshavingtheopportunitytoshowtheir abilities on the field and just have the time of their lives while doing so,”said Candace Delpino, Senior Coordinator Learning Support at Norfolk Public Schools

TheNorfolkPublicSchoolsandVirginia SpecialOlympicshostfoureventsannually In May 2023 they will be hosting a Little FeetMeetforpreschoollevelchildren.For more information on upcoming Special Olympics,andthevolunteeropportunities visit https://www.specialolympicsva.org/.