On Friday, May 2, Gunn hosted PAUSD’s annual Special Olympics Track and Field Event, transforming the field into a vibrant celebration of inclusion, perseverance and school spirit.
Over 200 students from PAUSD and neighboring districts gathered to compete in events such as the mile run, throwing and relays, having previously trained in their adaptive physical education classes.
This year, the event was hosted in partnership with Special Olympics Northern California, the Palo Alto Community Advisory Committee for Special Education and the Gunn Best Buddies Club.
The event opened with a performance by PAUSD elementary school Special Education students, who sang and danced to set a joyful tone for the day.
Gunn SpEd Specialist Natalia Hawthorne emphasized the value of inclusion that Special Olympics promotes.
“Special Olympics has provided a great opportunity for (Gunn’s SpEd) students and all other Special Education students to engage in not only an athletic experience, but also a unifying one,” she said.
Founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in 1968 to provide athletic opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics began as a backyard summer camp and has grown into a global movement empowering millions of diverse athletes.
Emphasizing dignity, acceptance and the transformative power of sports, Special Olympics events like the one held at Gunn continue to celebrate every athlete’s ability and uphold the legacy of unity.
