Spring High School ninth grader Kierra Oliver helps to carry in the torch to mark the start of the school’s Special Olympics event.

HOUSTON – March 11, 2016 – Over 140 Special Olympics athletes gathered recently at Spring High School’s gymnasium to demonstrate their skills in a variety of physical activities. Athletes from all three of Spring ISD’s comprehensive high schools participated in individual basketball skill challenges, including shooting, dribbling and passing during the morning portion of the program. After lunch, the focus turned to team activities as the groups played traditional basketball.

The event began with the group reciting the Special Olympics Athlete’s Oath: “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” All athletes who attended the event participated in at least two competitions.

Principal Tia Simmons expressed pride in the variety of students, staff, and community members who came out to the school to assist the athletes during the event. Student Council members, cheerleaders and members of the Peer Assistance Leadership program were present, as well as staff members and a large number of parent volunteers.

“It is always fantastic to see our community coming together like this, and showing that they care. We welcome them,” said Simmons.

The mission of the Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.