TRACY, Calif. — Students from across San Joaquin County gathered Friday for a day of celebration, competition and connection during the Tracy Special Olympics at Merrill F. West High School.
The San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) partnered with Tracy Unified School District and Special Olympics Northern California to host the event, which welcomed student-athletes from local special education programs.
(Video by Daniel Garza/Stocktonia)
SJCOE coordinator Zach Franceschetti said the goal was simple: inclusion and visibility.
“Today is about celebrating our students, promoting inclusion and making sure everyone here knows their name,” Franceschetti said.
A day focused on students
Opening ceremonies began at 10 a.m., followed by races, soccer matches and award presentations.
(Photo by Daniel Garza/Stocktonia)
In addition, West High student volunteers helped run the event — greeting families, staffing booths and cheering from the stands. Their presence gave the event even more energy.
“The best part of volunteering is seeing all the smiles,” said Lucia Benham, ASB president. “This brings everyone together. Our diversity is what makes us beautiful.”
Building skills beyond sports
Educators say the event did more than provide athletic experiences. It also helped students grow personally and socially.
“They cheer each other on more than anything,” said Katie Hoffman, a special education teacher from Escalon High. “Seeing them raise their arms after finishing a race — that’s what it’s all about.”
(Photo by Daniel Garza/Stocktonia)
In addition to sports, students also practiced real-world job skills. Through SJCOE’s WorkAbility I program, older students helped run logistics and gained paid work experience.
“They were greeters, face painters, runners — and even helped with cleanup,” Franceschetti said. “It was all student-led.”
Looking ahead
The event left an impression not just on students but on staff and spectators. Franceschetti said he hopes it’s the first of many.
“This is just the beginning,” he said. “We want to hold more events like this across Tracy Unified — and give these students the recognition and joy they deserve.”
(Photo by Daniel Garza/Stocktonia)
The Special Olympics event was free and open to the public. Community members, educators and families turned out to celebrate students’ achievements both on and off the field.