BY KEN GAIDZIUNAS

Staff Writer

The Anna High School gym was full of student athletes, parents, teachers and community members as Anna ISD hosted Special Olympics on Jan. 12.

The Special Olympics program in Texas, part of a nationwide movement, provides sports training and athletic competition for children with intellectual disabilities. While Anna ISD hosted the event, 13 other school districts participated: Lovejoy, Bland, Princeton, Wolfe City, Sherman, Community, Pottsboro, Prosper, Celina, Howe, Van Alstyne and Melissa.

“Our goal for the 180 special needs athletes that participated in this event was to provide an opportunity for students with intellectual disabilities to develop and participate in physical fitness activities and experience the joy and camaraderie of sporting events,” said Paige Gililland, Anna ISD Adapted PE teacher and Special Olympics coordinator.

Following welcoming remarks by Anna ISD Superintendent Larry Johnson, a group of Anna students led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, a second group read the special Olympic oath, the Star Spangled Banner played and then the games began.

“While this is only our second year to have a Special Olympics team in Anna, we have 27 team members who compete in bowling, basketball skills and track and field,” said Gililland.

Gililland said she would like to thank all of the volunteers that came and helped. “It would not have been possible without them. I would also like to thank Anna High School and Anna ISD administration,” she said.

“If you have never been to one of these events you should make it a point to get to one – it is a very moving experience,” Gililland added.