Sixteenth annual special Special Olympics

 

BRAINTREE – MARCH 14, 2008    Four area schools joined Cardinal Cushing Centers in Braintree for a special version of Special Olympics last week, Mass Hospital School, Quincy School, Braintree School’s Life Skills Program, and new this year, Brockton Public Schools.  

Mark Spolidoro, a representative from Special Olympics, explained that the Motor Activities Training Program (MATP) is a version of Special Olympics, “adapted for all levels.  It is a group of activities that is motor skills based, focusing on coordination.”

 Ron Shepherd, coordinator of educational services with Cardinal Cushing Centers has worked with Spolidoro for 16 years bringing MATP to the south shore.  “Special Olympics lends an official purpose to the event and the banner of a worldwide organization, so we’re part of something larger.  It’s not just us,” Shepherd said.

 Four events filled the 90 minute program that began with the carrying of the Olympic torch and the singing of the national anthem by Trooper Tim Grant and which ended with a medal ceremony.  The school’s gymnasium was segmented into quarters for events testing body and spatial awareness, distance and accuracy, fine motor skill, and a striking challenge. 

 Terri Riley, a teacher’s aide with Quincy Public School’s Children’s Development Center said she has been bringing students to MATP Special Olympics for four years.  “This is something different, something the kids don’t get to do on a daily basis.  All the teachers appreciate the opportunity to observe our students in this big group amid loud music,” she said.  Quincy Schools had athletes as young as three competing.  Riley nurtures students with autism, syndromes, and cerebral palsy. 

 Don McHugh heads the adapted physical education teacher program at Quincy Public Schools and has been involved with Cardinal Cushing Centers’ MATP for seven or more years.  “The kids have a ball,” he said.  “It’s a time for our students to shine, and a time for the teachers and teachers’ assistants to shine, too.  Without their overwhelming commitment and unconditional love for the students, we couldn’t do this.”

 The cheering section is an important part of Special Olympics.  Parents and friends lined the gym, often jumping up with the camera.  Cardinal Cushing student Michelle LaFond had her mother and grandmother in her cheering section.  “This is one of Michelle’s favorite days,” said her mother, Karen LaFond.  “Despite their limitations the staff finds ways to engage all the kids and allow them to enjoy sports in their own special way.  The staff is very creative and they give lots of praise and make the kids feel special.  Michelle enjoys people and gatherings, so this is a very special day for her.”

 Nana, Patricia LaFond, says she came, “because this is my granddaughter!  I come all the time.  Michelle, all the students, love this day.  The people and the music make it feel like the Olympics.  It’s encouraging, everyone cheering for them.  It makes me appreciate life.”

  “For our students with motor difficulties, this is a better event than the traditional field activities associated with Special Olympics,” said Karen Taylor of Brockton Public School’s South Middle School.  She brought eight athletes to MATP for the first time this year.  Having worked at Cardinal Cushing Centers, she appreciated the benefits of participation.  Transportation took some effort.  “We needed two handi-vans and a yellow bus.  It was a major production.  But we’re here and we’ll be back next year.  It’s worth it.” 

 Liz Laskey, a teacher’s assistant with Cardinal Cushing Centers has been with the school ten years.  “My class played a big role in this day.  We helped set up the gym this morning and then my students were the greeters when the other athletes arrived.” 

 Brockton Rox mascot, K.O. made an appearance, high-fiving athletes and posing for a lot of pictures.  “Murphy” and therapy dog volunteer Robert Lee picked this event to make their weekly visit to Cardinal Cushing Centers. 

 “Ron Shepherd has created an event that is a great fit for Special Olympics’ Mission,” said Spolidoro, “and that is to get into our schools and communities, help students in need, actively participate in the events, and get the kids the best facilities and equipment possible.” 

 Cardinal Cushing Centers Braintree is a day school for students with severe cognitive, physical and emotional disabilities.  It is part of St. Coletta and Cardinal Cushing Schools of MA, Inc. which includes a residential school in Hanover, a work program in Weymouth called South Shore Industries, and supervised adult housing.