On Tuesday, the North Schuylkill School District hosted the 2nd Annual "Spartan Games".
The Spartan Games were a day full of competition, activities, and fun for local students with special needs.
15 School Districts from in and around Schuylkill County, including almost 700 athletes from grades Kindergarten through 12th competed. The districts representing were Blue Mountain, Mahanoy Area, Minersville Area, Mt. Carmel Area, North Schuylkill, Pine Grove Area, Pottsville Area, Schuylkill Haven, Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29, St. Clair Area, Shenandoah Valley, Southern Columbia, Tamaqua Area, Tri-Valley, and Williams Valley.
The Opening Ceremonies began at 9:30am with a warm welcoming by North Schuylkill Special Education Director Knute Brayford.
Events included track and field events such as Throwing (Javelin, Shot Put, Tennis ball, Frisbee); Jumping (Running Long Jump, Standing Long Jump, Vertical Jump); Running (50 meter race, 100 meter race, 50 meter walk, wheelchair race); and a 4 x 100 relay race (each district enters a team to compete for a team trophy). Each athlete received a ribbon for the events they participated in.
Along with the events, various other activities took place in and around the stadium throughout the day. When athletes were not competing in an event, they participated in a carnival with fun games and activities, including live music, face-painting, and a bounce house. The North Schuylkill Marching Band and cheer squads were also on hand to entertain and rally around the student-athletes.
Culinary students from the Schuylkill Technology Center also had a stand outside the stadium serving food for spectators.
Shenandoah Valley returned to this years games, with the 4x100 Relay Trophy to defend last year's victory. But, this year it was Schuylkill Haven who took home the prize and will hold the trophy until next year.
The day concluded with a Mascot Race between all of the participating school’s costumed mascots. This year, obstacles were added to make the race more challenging. The Mount Carmel Red Tornadoes took home the Mascot Race Trophy.
Closing ceremonies were held at 1:00 pm with remarks made once again by Knute Brayford. The students then loaded their school buses, and went back to their home schools with great memories and new friends. All the students are already looking forward to competing again next year.
The event was funded by donations from school organizations and local county businesses.
Along with the events, various other activities took place in and around the stadium throughout the day. When athletes were not competing in an event, they participated in a carnival with fun games and activities, including live music, face-painting, and a bounce house. The North Schuylkill Marching Band and cheer squads were also on hand to entertain and rally around the student-athletes.
Culinary students from the Schuylkill Technology Center also had a stand outside the stadium serving food for spectators.
Shenandoah Valley returned to this years games, with the 4x100 Relay Trophy to defend last year's victory. But, this year it was Schuylkill Haven who took home the prize and will hold the trophy until next year.
The day concluded with a Mascot Race between all of the participating school’s costumed mascots. This year, obstacles were added to make the race more challenging. The Mount Carmel Red Tornadoes took home the Mascot Race Trophy.
The event was funded by donations from school organizations and local county businesses.
