The Redhawk Best Buddies chapter is competing in the Special Olympics Games on Friday by playing basketball at the Frisco Fieldhouse. 

“Special Olympics gives people with special needs an opportunity to feel included,” special education teacher Cheryl Madani said. “They interact with others with the same special needs as them, and they don’t feel excluded from the general population.”

To get ready for Friday students have been practicing and refining their skills with support from teachers and peers alike. 

“The students have been working in their Partners PE class with helpers and coaches to practice shooting, dribbling, and passing,” Madani said. “The events are a speed dribbling competition, a shooting accuracy match, and a throwing [and] catching event.”

However, students with intellectual disabilities are not the only individuals that benefit from this opportunity, as peer buddies do as well.    

“It gives opportunities to general education students to enjoy their time getting to know our special athletes,” Madani said. “The peer students improve their understanding of people with disabilities. They realize that people with special needs want the same thing we all want: to feel included, respected, important & loved.”

For chapter president Caroline Grace Caruso, the Special Olympics Games allow students to have an enjoyable time, while also providing an opportunity to create a sense of community through support and encouragement. 

“I am looking forward to rooting on our school,” Caruso said. “We have so many sporting events on campus, and Special Olympics just works to include another part of our school in the fun of it all.”Be