By Sara Ballenger

Smiles beamed brightly as athletes crossed the finish lines at the 24th Annual Kiwanis Special Games at De Anza College in Cupertino, May 31.

About 500 students, 5-22, from all over Santa Clara County participated in the track and field meet. Approximately 200 Kiwanis Club members, including the Los Altos chapter, volunteered along with teachers and members of the community.

Students competed for first-, second- and third-place ribbons in four events of their choice, ranging from the 100-yard dash to a softball throw. Students were put in groups of like speed in the running events. Some events like the bean bag toss had two variations depending on the students ability.

Every student received a participation ribbon after completing their first event.

“For a lot of our kids, it’s the only competitive thing they do,” said Gayle Joslin, adapted physical education specialist for the Palo Alto Unified School District, who helped with the event.

“It’s the only time a lot of them win anything for competitive sports too.”

For 11-year-old Juana Briones student Debbie Quijano, the games were an opportunity for her to have fun.

“It’s exciting and fun to play games,” she said. “Everybody is welcome at the special games.” Quijano’s favorite event is the softball throw.

Every student has an aide from their school to assist them in competition. Gretchen Reinhart, Quijano’s aide, thought the event was a great opportunity for the students.

“It gives them an opportunity for achievement and growth,” she said. “It lets them show off their stuff.”

Joslin said, while many of her students in the Palo Alto Union School District live in Los Altos, she hasn’t seen any schools in the Los Altos School District send athletes to the event.

“I want to encourage the Los Altos and Mountain View School districts to sign up for the event. It would be great to get some participants from those communities,” she said.

For more information about the Special Games, contact the Los Altos Kiwanis Club at 941-3123.