By Carmen Rodgers
Elmore Autauga News
The Elmore County Board of Education held the 5th annual Ability Games at the Sports Complex in Wetumpka April 17, where students from area schools participated in a variety of fun-filled sports and activities.
“Today is all about the kids,” said Coach Jill Burt, Adaptive Physical Education coach at Elmore County Board of Education. “We are here to celebrate all of the amazing things that these kids do every single day for us. They come to school with positive attitudes and smiles, and they show kindness every day. So, this is a day to show off for them, let them shine, and show everybody in the county just how special they are.”
The Ability Games focused on inclusivity, teamwork, and fun, bringing students together for a day full of energy and excitement. Students participated in various events, including track and field, basketball, soccer, football, volleyball, tennis, and parachute games. Inflatables added to the festive atmosphere, and one of the biggest hits of the day was the dunking booth, where teachers and staff volunteered to get soaked as students lined up to take their best shot.
“It’s our version of the Special Olympics, it’s called Ability Games,” Katie Pouncey, Occupational Therapist at Elmore County Board of Education, said. “It’s for our students who have special needs or physical disability. They come out, and this is like a big field day. They will participate in track and field-type events, and they will play a lot of games throughout the competition.”
Teams were comprised of a collective team, with students representing each school, and individual teams from each school.
“A few of the competitions, the schools are going to compete against each other, and they compete within their school, too,” Pouncey said.
These Ability Games brought together schools and communities from around the district.
“You have students from Redland community, Eclectic community, Holtville community, Millbrook community, and Wetumpka community here today,” Pouncey said.
In addition to students, parents, faculty, and staff, city and county officials also came out to support local students.
“This event means so much because these students are our students,” School Board member Wendell Saxon said. “They are just as important as everyone else. They are special, not because they are special needs, but because they are special young people.”
“Thank you so much for being here today,” Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis said. “We are so excited to host these games. We know you’re going to have fun.”
Superintendent Richard Dennis gave the official “Let the games begin” call and students were off to the races, games, and other fun sports.
