A tradition of over 60 years, the Paralympic Games kicked off with opening ceremonies in Milan this week. With the same spirit of inclusivity, Marietta City Schools hosted their fifth annual Marietta Adapted Games earlier in the school year. The games were first hosted in 2021 and led to this annual tradition. The games, created specifically for students with disabilities, include an opening ceremony similar to the Paralympic Games, and include a variety of games like corn-hole, cup stacking, bowling, and more.
The Marietta Adapted Games were created by Bethany Walter, the Adapted PE teacher for Marietta City Schools.
“When I was hired to start an Adaptive Physical Education program, one of my tasks was to create an athletic event for our students with disabilities,” Walter said. “So, under the supervision of the Division of Student Services, I created Marietta Adapted Games as a way for special needs children in Marietta to have an athletic event for them, similar to the way other kids do. They are specifically for children with disabilities, with events catered to each student as much as they can be.”
When the volunteers come together to hold this event, it means a lot and everyone has a fun time.
“It’s one thing to say ‘you’re welcome here at an event but it’s a totally different thing to say, ‘We did this for you.’ I want Marietta Adapted Games to be a place where students, their teachers, and their parents can play and make memories together,” Walter said.
The games provide a meaningful opportunity for everyone involved, from the students with disabilities, to the volunteers, and even to the organizers.
“I was excited to lead the Pledge of Allegiance at the Adapted Games. My favorite parts of the games were stacking and knocking down the cups. I bowled many strikes, danced with my friends, and raced with my friends and the police officers,” Gabriel Maynard, a student who attended the games, said.
The wide variety of games and activities available make the games a fun time for everyone.
“My favorite part of the Adapted Games was playing corn-hole. I liked playing the game with students from other classes here at school,” Armani Pullin, another attendee at the games, said.
Volunteers look forward to the games and enjoy their time there. Many HOSA and Sports Medicine students, led under the supervision of CTAE teachers Ms. Bird and Mrs. Davis, continue coming to the games year after year.
“One of my favorite parts of the event is watching the interaction between the student volunteers and the” students attending the games,” Watler said. They work hard and play hard! The event would not be possible without quality student volunteers.
Other classes participate, including Early Childhood Education and Air Force JROTC. Best Buddies is an extracurricular group that volunteers at this event in addition to their club work for students with disabilities.
“Seeing how happy these kids are and, like, just bringing them that joy makes you feel good,” Estafani Luna, Sports Medicine volunteer, said. “I hope it shows the community that we really do care about each and every one of our students and that we are really a big, happy family.”
