The rain was kept at bay for the Surrey Secondary Special Track Meet Wednesday in South Surrey, with the sun peeking through the clouds for the annual event.
High school students with intellectual disabilities from all 21 high schools in Surrey showed up to participate in the highly anticipated meet, with events ranging from 60- and 150-metre sprints to field events including a basketball toss, T-ball, lawn bowling, a Frisbee throw and more.
“Every year it gets better! This year we had close to 400 kids,” said North Surrey Secondary counsellor Carmie Vairo, who co-ordinates the meet with Fraser Heights’ Joan Stock.
“Just to have the opportunity for the kids to be able to participate and showcase their abilities and just have fun … it fills our cup.”
READ ALSO: Student athletes from Surrey high schools compete at special meet
For many of the students, it’s a highlight of the year, she noted.
“It’s their opportunity to represent their school as a student athlete. They come and wear their school jerseys and participate in the track events. … It’s great for a lot of the kids to get out and be there for the day, away from school.”
Held eight times in the past 10 years (two were cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions), the meet celebrates the students and involves the community as well, with 85 volunteers, friends and family helping to make it all happen.
“On the day everybody comes and everything just falls into place,” Vairo said.