More than 80 special needs elementary students from 17 district schools proudly competed and enthusiastically congratulated their fellow competitors at the Bayridge Invitational Special Track & Field Meet, held Monday, June 15.

Boys and girls in Grades 3 to 7 participated in races of 80 and 200 metres, as well as relays of 4x50 metres. The field events included long jump, softball throw and Frisbee throw.

School parents were joined by several current and retired school district staff, a Crofton House private school teacher and a Surrey Fire captain in helping out with the event. Former Olympians Lynn Williams and Carmie Vairo were among the volunteers. Surrey firefighters also pulled up in a fire truck so students could visit and sit in the driver's seat.

Event organizer, Bayridge Elementary principal Margaret Geddes, says the event was certainly a hit with the students.

"Track is big at Bayridge," says Geddes. "And now special needs kids are swept up in it too."

	click to enlarge	click to enlarge

Last Updated: June 16, 2009