Nearly 300 students from MOBOCES and the region competed in the Special Olympics Spring Games on May 9, marking first time local student-athletes have been able to compete in this event since the pandemic.

The Spring Games, held at Canastota, featured a variety of track and field events, allowing students from eight districts and MOBOCES to compete in running races, shot put, long jump and a softball throw. The event also had adaptive games, including wheelchair and tricycle slaloms and assisted bowling, for students with different mobility needs.

See more photos from the event on our Facebook page.

Athletes were cheered on by dozens of family members and friends as well as students, staff and administrators from their schools. Many of those cheering students volunteered as athletes’ buddies, and Canastota students and staff ran many of the races and competitions.

MOBOCES Early Childhood Education high school students set up an Olympic Village with arts and crafts and other activities that athletes, volunteers and spectators could participate in while waiting for events.

Dallas LaMay, a MOBOCES middle school student from Rome, said he was excited to compete again.

“My favorite event is the softball throw,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun.”

The event kicked off with the traditional Parade of Athletes, with each school team marching in behind a banner and taking a lap around the track. The Canastota marching band and color guard led the parade, and students from the Canastota choir sang the National Anthem. Canastota Superintendent Shawn Bissetta was among the speakers who opened the games.

“This is a great opportunity to do your best, make some new friends and have fun,” he said.