The recent Haxtun Relays, hosted by the Haxtun School District at the Holyoke track, was well-attended by all sorts of track and field competitors, organizers, and fans. Included in the competition were also five Special Olympic Athletes.
Jared Anderson, Haxtun track and field coach, brought back the Haxtun Relays after several years without due to Covid and other factors. When organizing the 2022 Relays, Anderson started thinking it would be fun to include a few events for additional athletes, including those with cognitive disabilities. Anderson’s vision was all it took and the events were added! The Northeast Tracksters (composed of “Athletes” and “Partners” through Northeast Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) Unified Champion Schools (UCS) Special Olympics track and field program) was represented by five Athletes at the Haxtun Relays.
All Northeast Tracksters and their supporters arrived at the field just before 2 p.m. for the Long Jump event. With time between this event and their 100-meter dash, the Athletes were able to visit and reconnect with peers and supporters from across the northeast; they also enjoyed a few games of Cornhole, Grass Disc Throw, and good old-fashioned track meet “lounging.”
The National Anthem, performed at 3:30 p.m., kept the festivities going. And at approximately 4:30 p.m., the Northeast Tracksters lined up in their running lanes for the Unified 100-Meter Dash. All competitors of this race finished before a roaring, supportive and encouraging crowd.
Representing the Northeast Tracksters were athletes Abraham Diaz (Holyoke), Austin Durbin (Holyoke), Frannie Sawyer (Lone Star), Maggie Sawyer (Lone Star), and Deon Tortice (Peetz).
If you are interested in participating as an Athlete, Partner, Coach, or Volunteer, please contact Michelle Patterson, NE BOCES Director of Special Education, or Kari Fecht, Special Education Administrative Assistant, at 970-521-2771 ext. 1221.
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