No matter what, everyone should get a chance to feel like a champion.
At least, that’s the philosophy behind the Junior Auxiliary of Columbus’ “Challenge of Champions,” an indoor field day event for special education students in the county.
On Thursday morning, 12 special education students at West Lowndes Elementary School participated in the program for the first time.
“It gives every child the opportunity to participate and be a part of what’s going on,” Robert Sanders, school principal, said. “We just never know what abilities or capabilities students have in regards to what their limitations are. And it gives them an opportunity to belong. … We don’t want to leave any kids out.”
At the beginning of the day, each first- through sixth-grade special education student – who would be the day’s athletes – was paired up with an older student who could help them with the games and challenges.
JA of Columbus Challenge of Champions Chairman Casey Wells said the challenge focuses on creating a fun and inclusive environment, which is why traditional and special education students work together.
“It’s basically to show everyone that we’re more alike than different,” Wells said. “It goes to show that all students, no matter their differences, can come together for a common goal.”
Fourth-year chapter member Jaimie Beckham said the group has been hosting the Challenge of Champions at schools in Caledonia since 2019, allowing the chapter to see the same students year after year. But this year, the chapter brought the challenge to West Lowndes for the first time.
At the beginning of the day, all students entered through a “spirit tunnel” formed by the arms of the Junior Auxiliary members. Beckham said this part of the day is always her favorite, as it always makes the participants light up.
“When they come in, they’re always like, ‘this is for me?’” Beckham said. “It always surprises them.”
At the end of the tunnel, students broke off into their respective teams. Relay races started quickly after, with children carrying dodgeballs on the end of plungers, hula hooping, throwing sandbags into targets and more.
JA of Columbus President Misty Sharp said these activities are all about inclusion and fun.
“Kids with special needs are sometimes not included in a lot of the activities that the mainstream kids are,” Sharp said. “So we give them a special day where they can compete with a buddy, and they get a medal at the end, and we celebrate just all being together and competing together.”
Sharp said this year’s challenge also included participation from associate life members, former active members of the chapter. These former members were given the opportunity to sponsor the athletes, including providing the medals and t-shirts the students received, and to come out and celebrate with the students.
In the middle of the relays, students also formed a dance circle, where athletes competed to show off their best moves to the group. Students performed dance moves like the “worm,” the “wave” and the “griddy,” with each move bringing a new wave of cheers from the crowd.
Third-year chapter member Joni Frye said the Challenge of Champions is “the most anticipated” project of the year for many chapter members. Frye said seeing the kids participate in the dance party is always her favorite part, as it always takes on a life of its own.
“Seeing the kids’ faces is priceless,” Frye said. “It’s just priceless.”
At the end of the day, each participant was given a medal for their participation in the challenge, officially making each one a champion.
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