Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Principal Kimberly Taylor are proud to share that the F.X. O'Regan Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) hosted its first-ever Special Olympics Unified Young Athletes Game Day on Friday, June 6.
The event celebrated the remarkable efforts and achievements of Franklin’s youngest Unified athletes — preschool students who have been practicing teamwork and motor skill development throughout the spring as part of the Special Olympics Young Athletes Program.
Under the guidance of ECDC Physical Therapist Jodi Klein and a dedicated team of staff coaches, these young students learned important physical and social-emotional skills while embracing the core values of inclusion and support.
"We had a wonderful group of athletes and coaches for our inaugural year of Young Athletes," said Klein. "I think Game Day represented a wide array of the skills we worked on for several months, including balance, jumping, eye-hand coordination, teamwork and sportsmanship. It is a privilege to be able to do this work with our littlest athletes and get them started with healthy habits in a positive, inclusive environment."
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| Franklin's Unified Young Athletes receive medals at the inaugural Special Olympics Unified Young Athletes Game Day on Friday, June 6. (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools) |
The Game Day event featured a full slate of festivities, beginning with opening ceremonies, a flag salute and a proud recitation of the Special Olympics Athlete Oath: "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."
Families, classmates and staff cheered on the young athletes as they participated in a series of fun and skill-based activities, showcasing all they have learned and accomplished together.
"We are so proud of this group of students for being our first Preschool Unified Athletes Team, and can't wait to see how this program expands in the future," said Principal Taylor.
"These students have shown great determination, teamwork and joy, and it was so meaningful to watch them shine during their Game Day," said Superintendent Giguere. "This program represents the best of what we value in Franklin — inclusion, community and support for every learner."
