Special needs students from across the Hart district gather on the stadium field at Valencia High School for the fourth annual Hart Games 2013 Track and Field Meet on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Hundreds of students from the William S. Hart Union High School District participated in the event.

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“We are so proud of the athletes that are competing in this event. They have been training diligently and are very excited,” said Patti Miller, director of the event. “This event would not be successful without the teachers, volunteers and parents who are so generously donating their time to this program. We appreciate the support.”

The districtwide competition is sponsored by the Adapted Physical Education Department, in partnership with the Special Olympics.

The goal is to stimulate the interest in physical activity and competition among special needs students and reward those who achieve.

La Mesa and Rio Norte junior high schools, as well as Canyon, Golden Valley and Valencia high schools, and Trinity Classical Academy, all saw students participate in the event.

The Valencia track team help support the event, helping with equipment and providing more than 40 volunteers.

The event featured an opening ceremonies and ceremonial lap around the track. Events took place simultaneously across the field with students competing for ribbons.

“330 kids with special needs from 7 schools in SCV compete at the track meet, they have had 3 months of training in their P.E. classes,” Miller said.

 

“This is a time where kids get to do what kids want to do and they are proud of themselves for showing school pride,” she added. “This is the first time they have competed together after a year — it is a big deal to them as they get to say hi to all of their friends.”