50 Special Olympic athletes compete for gold in Belvidere | MyStateline
BELVIDERE, Ill. (WTVO) — 50 atheltes competed in a Special Olympics event. They participated in events like running, relays, javelin, and more at Belvidere High School.
“For years, there was nothing available. So now to actually have it, the first one, basketball last season of track and field,” said Arthur Elder III. “Now it’s absolutely awesome for this underserved community and they’re doing the best they can. They’re having a great time. It warms my heart.”
Elder and two of his kids were cheering loudly at the Belvidere Special Olympics Track and Field events. They were there rooting for their sister and Elder’s daughter Elanor.
Elanor competed as a runner in the events. Elder was grateful for this opportunity for his daughter to flourish in something she loves.
“Like she’s always showing at the basketball games, always showing at the football games. The loudest one there. And when she had an opportunity, she says she wants to do it,” said Elder. “We’re like, please go do it. And so that’s why she wants to do it. And so we’re all here just supporting her as she does her thinking.”
All teams stem from those partnering for the event, both Belvidere 100 high schools and the park district. Organizers said just giving them all a chance to compete makes everyone feel like winners.
“It’s really important for our students to be able to participate in things that they normally wouldn’t have been able to participate, especially in a school setting,” said Belvidere High School Essential Elements Teacher Brittany Bougord. “And we have been really lucky to have a district that has supported our student and supported Special Olympics coming to District 100.”
Students said they fed off the excitement from the crowd. Many of the athletes will be competing on May 5th at Harlem High School in a state Special Olympics track and field event.
