By Sara Ballenger

Student athletes gave it their best as they crossed the finish lines at the 25th Annual Kiwanis Special Games at De Anza College in Cupertino, May 30.

Former Los Altos Postmaster Walter Chronert, founder of the games was honored by having the event named after him.

Over 600 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 who organized the event, 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 beanbag toss had two variations depending on the students’ abilities. Students could compete in a total of 16 athletic events. Every student received a participation ribbon after completing their first event.

Many students return to the games year after year.

This was fourth-grader Jade Theriault’s fifth year competing.

Theriault is a student at Blackford Elementary School in San Jose.

“I like competing against other wheelchairs that are as fast as me. I like to have a challenge,” Theriault said.

Theriault raced in the 50-yard dash in her Quickie wheelchair that can go up to 7.5 miles-per-hour.

The event is also a time for athletes to see their friends from other schools.

“She looks forward to it,” said Jade’s mother Jacqi Theriault. “She gets to see friends she hasn’t seen in a year and we even gave up a vacation so we could come. She loves it.”

For more information about the Special Games, contact the Los Altos Kiwanis Club, 988-9900.