Contributed Content (Medfield Public Schools)
At the end of the Special Olympics event on April 26 at Millis Public Schools, Medfield Police Officers (from the left) McKenna, Plant and Ledbetter honored Wheelock School students (from the left) Kayla Spellman and Leila Behbehani with medals.
MEDFIELD — Superintendent Jeffrey Marsden and Director of Student Services Mary Bruhl are pleased to announce that on Friday, April 26, Medfield students proudly joined peers from Millis, Ashland, Holliston, and Medway in a celebration of the Five-Town Special Olympics held at Millis Public Schools. This annual event, cherished for its spirit of inclusivity and community, saw young athletes from first grade participate for the first time, demonstrating the event’s commitment to fostering sportsmanship among youth.
A total of 13 participants from Medfield, accompanied by their peers from the Best Buddies organization at Medfield High School, displayed impressive spirit and skills in a wide array of sports, including basketball, soccer, and golf. The event was highlighted by the presence of three players from the New England Patriots, who joined the festivities and offered inspiration and autographs to the young athletes.
In the morning, the athletes experienced a heartening send-off at their respective schools, followed by a ceremonial parade led by police departments from each participating town. The march culminated at the Millis Schools complex, where the opening ceremonies set the tone for a day filled with joy and athletic spirit.
After the event, each participant was honored with a medal presented by officers from the Medfield Police Department. The celebration continued with a picnic lunch, allowing students to relax and revel in their achievements.
Director Bruhl said, “Being able to offer this experience and include our first graders gives me great satisfaction. Seeing the smiles on the faces of the students who represented our schools makes this all worthwhile.”
The day ended with a Medfield Police Department escort back to their respective schools, where the students were met with cheers and congratulations, marking the successful completion of this year’s Five-Town Special Olympics.
This event not only highlighted the athletic talents of the participants but also reinforced the powerful message of the Special Olympics: inclusion for all. Medfield looks forward to continuing this wonderful tradition and celebrating the abilities of all its students.