Sports festival for students with special needs in Milton, Burlington, Oakville

An upcoming sports festival for students in Burlington, Milton, Oakville and Halton Hills will have something special going on.

The Halton District School Board is teaming up with Special Olympics Ontario over two days in February in Milton to host the festival for elementary students with special needs.

“We are very proud and excited to be hosting the Sports Festival event for more than 375 elementary students with special needs,” said Colette Ruddock, Superintendent of Education (Special Education Services).

“It is important all students have the opportunity to engage in activities that showcase their talents and abilities. Events like this, as well as the Special Athletes’ Track Meet that we host every June, are great examples of ensuring students in the HDSB feel part of their school and Board communities, are connected to their peers, and learn and play in safe, equitable and engaging environments.”

The event is scheduled for Feb. 7 and 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Milton Velodrome, 2015 Pan Am Blvd.

“This event is intended to introduce students and their families to the Special Olympics,” said an event spokesperson. “It is designed as a fun, non-competitive event designed to provide young athletes with an intellectual/physical disability an entry point to sport and physical activity. It enables communities to support physical literacy development as well as community program development.”