Calvert County’s Inclusive Track and Field Event promotes peer partnership and friendship 

By Jillian Amodio 

For two days in April, Calvert High School becomes a field of dreams for athletes in the county. They may not be Olympians but they have the spirit and drive of champions.

Normally part of the county’s Special Olympics, the 2022 Inclusive Track and Field and Youth Athletes Event year stands alone.

The Special Olympics event, hosted by the CCPS Special Education Department, has been a long-beloved tradition of events and a celebration of ability at all levels. The event relies on the dedicated involvement of student volunteers from all of the high schools in the county. The local Special Olympics of Calvert County organization provides year-round sports training and competition opportunities to about 120 athletes. Its mission is to bring Special Olympics athletes into the view and appreciation of the larger society as a whole, to promote inclusion and acceptance in spaces where participants will be respected and celebrated as members of their community. 

While this year’s track and field event is not attached to the Calvert County Special Olympics, it still pays homage to that history. This year’s event will honor David Ring, who served as emcee of the Calvert County Special Olympic events for 20 years. Ring died in May 2020.

“Years ago this event could be used as a qualifier for the Maryland Special Olympics track and field event,” says Kara Muffley, Special Education Data Manager for CCPS and liaison to the Special Olympics of Calvert County. “We haven’t held the event since 2019 due to COVID. Given the restrictions, this year we have stepped away from making it a Special Olympics event, and are eager to see our track and field athletes perform.” 

Throughout the year, Adapted Physical Education teachers work with their student-athletes. Staff help identify the best events for each student to be involved in and help ensure that they get practice time with their peer partners. 

The word inclusive is used with great intention. “Each of our athletes will have a peer partner from their school,” says Muffley. “With the peer aspect, we are also hoping that it will bring more attention to the buddies programs and the Unified Sports programs we have in our middle and high schools through the Special Olympics. This is also an opportunity for our younger students to participate with their peers and have a fun field day style event.”

Paul Reilly, a special education teacher specialist, and Laura Rivers, an adapted physical education teacher are just two of the planners behind the event.

“I am really excited to help plan this amazing event; however, it has been a team effort. There are so many people involved to make this happen,” says Rivers. “This year is the first time we have done an Inclusive Track and Field event and I LOVE this idea. It makes my heart so happy seeing our athletes and their peer teammates practicing.”

Jenna Moan, 18, is a Huntingtown High athlete who has been participating in the events since elementary school. Jenna says that she looks forward to this event because it allows her to see her friends and teachers from other schools. Her mother Julie says the event is a family affair. “Our family looks forward to celebrating the special kids in CCPS. This event and the local Special Olympics of Calvert County have allowed us to meet other families in the special needs community and has created lasting friendships.”

Audrey Stephanson is in fifth grade at Mt. Harmony Elementary. She is attending the event as a peer partner with her partner, Artia. Audrey says she is excited to participate in the Inclusive Track and Field Event. “My friend Artia is such a sweet girl and I’m so happy to be her teammate.” Both Jenna and Audrey will be competing in the 4×100 relay and either a tennis ball or softball throw event.

With COVID restrictions being lifted, these special athletes are finally being allowed to show off their strengths, talents, and abilities, while displaying the power of inclusion and friendship. 

The event begins April 27 with the Parade of Athletes and team events for about 200 pre-K and elementary students. April 28 is the day for 71 middle and high school athletes. Each will compete with a peer partner for a total of 142 athletes.