Day of Champions track and field event presented by GECDSB

Amherstburg schools were well represented at the recent “Day of Champions” event at Sandwich Secondary School in LaSalle. North Star High School entered a team of student athletes and leaders.

The Anderdon Public School band performed both days.

A track and field event in the style of Special Olympics returned last week.

The Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) presented its annual “Day of Champions” track and field days recently at Sandwich Secondary School in LaSalle with special needs students from around the area coming in to compete against each other. Several schools from Amherstburg were part of the event along with many others from around Windsor-Essex County during the May 7-8 event.

Each day started with a parade, led by the Anderdon Public School band, followed by events and activities. Todd Awender, the GECDSB’s director of education for school operations and information technology, said about 545 elementary school students attended the first day with approximately 250 secondary school students coming the second day.

“Almost every school was represented both days,” said Awender.

Awender said the student athletes look forward to the “Day of Champions” annually and that leadership classes from area public high schools help co-ordinate the event. There are 50m and 100m races, shotput, ball throw and many other events as well as events for non-ambulatory athletes, he said.

“It’s an inclusive event,” said Awender. “It’s something that excites a lot of children and youth. They make new friends. They have fun. The smiles on their faces are electric.”

Awender estimated the “Day of Champions” has been occurring for roughly 20 years.

“What we’re hearing from families, staff and the students themselves is this is their favourite day of the year,” said Awender. “It’s about providing opportunities.”The national anthem is also performed by a student with special needs and greetings were brought both days by public board officials and local dignitaries. 

The contingent from North Star High School in Amherstburg included 36 student athletes and ten leadership students. 

Day of Champions track and field event presented by GECDSB