Special Olympics Fills Marciano Stadium With Joy, Comaraderie

By Lisa E. Crowley
BrocktonPost
BROCKTON—Brockton High School student Christian Crooker pumped his arms and lifted his legs as fast as he could in the 50 yard dash, but couldn’t overcome the speed of Elbert Drayton during Brockton schools Special Olympic games, but a silver medal was just fine with Crooker.
“It’s not about winning,” said Crooker, 17, who said he plays basketball and other sports, but rarely sprints down a track.
“It was fun. It’s just doing it. I feel awesome,” Crooker said. (Pictured above in center with at left, Adam Fritz and, right, Elbert Drayton)
Crooker’s words were a prevalent theme among the more than 400 students from nearly all of Brockton’s schools who participated in Wednesday’s annual Special Olympics Games Day held at Brockton High School’s Marciano Stadium.
Students of all ages took part in a carousel of events that included running races, relays, a wheelchair push, football, softball and tennis ball throws, soccer shooting, long jumping and croquet—all accompanied by the sounds of music that made the event feel like a carnival of dancing, smiles, hugs and cheers.
Hundreds of parents, friends and family members came and went throughout the day to support their children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Gloria Clemonts, who watched on the sidelines with her daughter Tahira Carleton as her 10-year-old grandson Jamuari Couvertier threw a football over the heads of high school volunteers, said it was difficult not to shed a tear during the games—especially the opening ceremony.
“As adults we can learn so much from these kids,” Clemonts said. “It warms your heart,” she said.
Tahira Carleton, Couvertier’s mom, said her young son could not wait to get onto the field yesterday.
“He came home and practiced and practiced,” Carleton said. “He was so excited about it,” she said.
A Brookfield Elementary School student, Carleton said it is a beautiful thing to see how students with varying levels of learning, developmental and physical disabilities help one another.
“Some learn things quicker than others and those who are good at a subject help others who aren’t as good or as quick to learn,” Carleton said. “They really help one another,” she said.
During opening ceremonies, many people wiped tears that escaped down their cheeks, most notably after BHS student Jay Stone and police officer Ted Hancock ran down the track with the signature Special Olympics “Flame of Hope.” (Pictured below)
Hancock, who has worked the event in the past as a bystander, said it was the first time he had the honor of escorting the torch bearer and was inspired by the joy and love that filled Marciano Stadium.
“I sprung like a young puma,” Hancock said with enthusiasm.
Superintendent Matthew Malone said the annual event is a beautiful showcase of how the human spirit—even if that spirit is fraught with disabilities and obstacles—can overcome nearly anything.
“It’s one of the best things we do in the school system,” Malone said.
“It shows that effort and achievement, determination and perseverance are all equal qualities that we all share. Kids with disabilities are just like everyone else,” he said.
Opening ceremonies included numerous recognitions and plaques, including one for Tom Kenney, (Pictured below, center) Brockton High’s athletic director who will retire after decades in the school system.
Before plaques were handed out several students opened the games with the singing of the National Anthem by a trio of BHS students Ana Caroline Alano, Gabriella Brown and Sony Thoyo and a rendition of “God Bless America” by Brookfield Elementary School student Christy Villard, a 10-year-old who said she loves to sing, but rarely performs in public.
Villard said her friends encouraged her to give it her all.
“My friends always say you have to try,” Villard said. (Pictured at right)