For the first time, Georgetown ISD held the 2022 GISD Special Olympics at Birkelbach Field on May 19.

Students in the special education program across GISD in both elementary and secondary levels came out to participate in track and field events and cheer their peers on.

“Special Olympics is a way for students in special education to find competition, make friends, hear cheering from the crowd, receive medals—It’s all things that many of these students miss out on because of their disabilities,” said Dawn Jennings, GISD Special Education parent liaison, in a release.

Parents, GISD stakeholders and community members came to the event.

“It’s an exciting atmosphere,” said Shane Sharp, area program director for Special Olympics Texas. “It’s an opportunity for students in special education and their families to get out and be a part of something fun that the whole community is rallying around. ... For our first GISD Special Olympics event, this was huge.”