District 54 to host Partners track meet May 20

School District 54 is getting ready to host its single largest event of the year - the annual Partners Club/Young Athletes track meet.

The event will begin with opening ceremonies at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 20, on the track behind Eisenhower Junior High School, 800 W. Hassell Road in Hoffman Estates.

Events will take place until noon followed by lunch for all athletes, their partners and volunteers. The meet will be cancelled in case of inclement weather.

"The Young Athletes portion of the meet is going to be exciting. This is the biggest District 54 Young Athletes event held during the school year" said Lisa Liesz, District 54 Special Olympics, coordinator of Young Athletes. "The athletes have been training all year. There will be over 1,000 District 54 students, staff and volunteers participating in this day."

Partners Club is based at several District 54 schools and includes students with disabilities with their non-disabled peers. This program creates social opportunities for Special Olympics athletes while educating mainstream students about different disabilities, thus creating interest in and a greater acceptance of individuals with disabilities. The students participate in activities all year together, including this track meet each spring.

The Young Athletes program was created by Special Olympics for children ages 2-7 as a means of welcoming children into the world of Special Olympics. The Young Athletes program is an innovative sports play program for children with intellectual disabilities, designed to introduce them to the world of sports. The activities help the children improve physically, cognitively and socially, all while raising awareness of the Special Olympics program and serving as an introduction to the resources and support available within Special Olympics.

For information on Young Athletes, please call Jennifer Marcello at (630) 942-5612.

For information on the District 54 Special Olympics and Young Athletes program, please call District 54 Special Olympics office at (847) 357-5211.