WEBSTER GROVES, MO (KTVI) – There were no pre-race jitters for Jacob Engleskind Tuesday in the Webster Groves high school gym.
He was one of many students who participated in a Special Olympics indoor track meet this morning.
‘Whether it’s the host school, the Webster Groves kids or our athletes,’ says Special School District Coordinator Kerrie Townsend, ‘Just to see the joy that this event can bring to them and their peers working so close together. It’s great.’
For these Webster Groves Juniors, today’s event is a day of service for the entire class.
But for the special school district athletes, it’s an opportunity to interact with others and make new buddies for the day.
‘It was amazing helping out these kids because I know they don’t get this opportunity often,’ says Junior Sam Craig. ‘They’ve been working hard for it. So it was great to feel like we provided that opportunity. I had a lot of fun and I hope my buddy had a lot of fun too.’
The special school district does 25 events like this at area St. Louis county high schools through the school year beginning in September and ending in May.
You might call it a win-win for everyone involved, especially Jacob who came in first in throwing and running.
‘Best day of my life with all the fun and all the entertainment and everything,’ says Engleskind.
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