RVCSD Hosts Second Annual Special Olympics

ACCORD – The Rondout Valley Central School District (RVCSD) united on June 9 to stage its second annual Special Olympics event. Ninety-five students from across the District’s five schools participated in the day’s festivities, which celebrated community, perseverance, and the human spirit.

The event kicked off with an opening ceremony and parade, which featured representatives of the New York State Police, the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office, and the Accord, Stone Ridge, and Kerhonkson Fire Departments. Highlights from the ceremony included Rondout Valley Middle School and Intermediate School students lining the track to cheer on the participating athletes, Rondout Valley student musicians welcoming the athletes and attendees, and students Freyja Cross and Dylan Bowles singing the national anthem. There was even a “prom-posal”!

Throughout the day, the student-athletes competed in a variety of track and field events, ranging from foot races to long jumps to ball tosses. The competitors were assisted and encouraged by volunteers from the National Honor Society and the National Junior Honor Society.

The special competition was organized by Rondout Valley District-Wide Physical Therapist Carlos Perez, who was beyond thrilled with this year’s event. “I am in awe of the Rondout Valley Central School District,” he said. “The community came together for a second year in a row to celebrate and support our student-athletes, making the day a memorable experience for all. “I am thankful to all of the Special Olympics Organizing Committee, student volunteers, parents, faculty, staff, and administrators who helped make this event a success.”

Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services Meg Braren also expressed her gratitude to the hard-working organizers, volunteers, and athletes. “The event is a true inspiration; you felt the sense of community radiating from the field,” she said. “I am so proud of our students for working together and supporting one another, as well as our dedicated team for putting this day together for the students of Rondout Valley.”

Perez and Braren added that kudos were also due to Infinite Care (Ten Broeck Center and Golden Hill Center for Rehabilitation), the Rondout Valley Federation of Teachers and School-Related Professionals, and Hudson Valley Impressions for their support.