Since 2017, VBCPS has collaborated with Special Olympics Virginia to bring elementary school AAF students and their nondisabled peers to one of VBCPS’s high schools to participate in Little Feet Meets. For the past two years, Salem has hosted the annual Special Olympics Meet, bringing together nearly a hundred student volunteers to champion inclusion.
Funded by a grant from the United States Department of Education for Special Olympics Project UNIFY, the Little Feet Meet event pairs elementary students with developmental disabilities with a “peer buddy” from their own school to compete in various events. The goal is to promote inclusion and acceptance in school communities, while encouraging physical fitness.
This year’s Olympics was held on April 22nd on the track and football field. Some of the elementary schools in attendance were Glenwood, Shelton Park, Point O’ View, and Pembroke.
For student activity coordinator Sarah Fernheimer, the event is deeply personal.
“Watching our SunDevils interact with the elementary students – it melts my heart – I could cry,” said Fernheimer. “Some people might not know this about me, but I was a Special Education teacher for fourteen years prior to this position. I feel honored that we have been able to host this event for the last two.”
The impact of the event extended far beyond the elementary school fun; the experience left a lasting impression on all.
Sophomore Gabe Hernandez decided to volunteer after seeing how much fun the event was in previous years. He ended up running the obstacle course alongside juniors Gabe Lugo, Gabby Cabangon, and senior Lolo Elmquist.
“It was ecstatic, and everyone was having a good time,” said Hernandez. “People just wanted to see the kids do well and have a great time and make memories.”
The elementary school groups, along with their school buddies, could choose to compete in events like a 50-meter dash, the obstacle course, castleball, frisbee-golf, and many more, which left volunteers finding joy in the simple, light-hearted moments.
“I oversaw the 50-meter dash,” said junior Alex Kandolo. “ A specific moment that stuck with me was racing against the kids and letting them win.”
The meet was not just about races. Seniors Reese Williams and Maddie Miller, and sophomore Jett Abulencia, taught a yoga station, offering a gentler, more inclusive space for the younger athletes. This was held right next to the quiet tent, which is a sensory-safe space for kids to regulate and recharge.
“It was so much fun being able to work with the kids alongside my friends,” said Williams. “It was a fulfilling experience to help out and expand their horizons with sports and being active, especially with yoga, providing a calming experience.”
Directing and rallying up the schools from the start was senior and emcee Lily Check. Despite being initially surprised when Fernheimer approached her for her role, she embraced the challenge by matching it with her enthusiasm on the mic.
“My secret to keeping energy high was just being enthusiastic and by being the energy you want to see in the kids,” Check said. “When kids would win something or do well in a game, I would make it a big deal. I would celebrate and high-five [them]. They already arrived with so much excitement that it made my job easy.”
While Check made the opening remarks and speech, she also did it to address the deeper purpose of Project UNIFY.
“The most inspiring part [of the speech] was talking about how there’s no real disability, only many different types of abilities,” said Check. “I feel like we often look at special-needs and challenged students and only see their physical or intellectual disabilities. This event was really about looking at them for more than what’s on paper. I really hope it continues at Salem for many years to come,” said Check. “With the way it went this year, I’m sure they won’t have a problem getting more people to help coordinate and volunteer.”
With the field and stands packed with high-fives, medals, and smiles shared between elementary schoolers and their high school volunteers, the day was a massive success, leaving many eager to sign up for next year’s Special Olympics. Salem’s student body was proud to have made the community a more unified, accepting place.
