The Pleasant Valley High School Band, under the direction of James DeVivo, provided festive music as bus loads of Special Olympians arrived from five Monroe County schools. The 325 participating athletes and 350 PV student volunteers and staff volunteers, family members and visitors took their seats.

A spattering of raindrops fell causing some to raise their umbrellas as the 20th Annual Special Olympics got under way. While there may have been gray cloudy skies up above, there was a sea of sunny smiles everywhere in the PV stadium in anticipation of this yearly event.Rick Agretto, IU 20 Event Director welcomed everyone and introduced Special Olympians Heather Cleere (PVHS), Austin Burham and Aaron Meckes (PVMS) who led the Pledge of Allegiance. The national anthem was led by the PVHS chorus directed by Lois Mann and Special Olympics poems were offered by Special Olympians Jennifer Drake-Tran (PVHS) and Jeff Lopes and Anthony Cramer (PVMS.) The Special Olympics Pledge was led by PVHS Special Olympian Adam Wolocen.PVHS Special Olympians Robert Cohen and James West carried the Special Olympic Torch into the stadium and PVMS Special Olympians Rosemarie Bradley and Melissa Albanese had the honor of lighting the Torch. And then PVHS Special Olympian Nicole Parra and PVSD superintendent Dr. Douglas Arnold declared the games to be opened."Special Olympics is one of the greatest events at PV and we're PV proud to host it. We support all those students that are here to compete. But they're already all winners," said Dr. Arnold.The athletes participated in three of the following events: 400 meter/mile run; 200 meter run; 100 meter dash; 50 meter dash; standing long jump; high jump; softball throw; turbo dart throw.Various clubs and organizations of PV had concession stands throughout the stadium. Some of the proceeds are then donated to the Special Olympics.Rachel Brown, PVMS attendance secretary is also the adviser to the PV Dance Team who sold wings."This is a great event, especially for our students here because they can volunteer for being buddies and support the athletes," says Brown.Amanda Sechrist, the Northampton County Special Olympics (NCSO) director says that the Special Olympics allows disabled children to participate in sports and gives them a sense of self worth and it's fun."It's good for volunteers too. They see what special needs people can do," she says.Chris Perfetti, NCSO event coordinator adds, "It teaches them compassion."There are 17 such events held throughout the school year from bowling, aquatics, gymnastics, track and field, skiing and developmentalism and the Special Special Olympics which are held inside."Next year we're starting volleyball and soccer events. I just want to give kids opportunities that the other students have," says Sechrist.Christine Camerini, NCSO event coordinator says the event is a wonderful opportunity for Special Olympian athletes to show everyone what they're capable of and that they love to compete."Perfetti says that some of the athletes from this event at PV will compete at Penn State in the State competition.Monica Tramontina, PVHS paraprofessional associate, and her husband, Mark, PVHS social studies teacher, organize the 10th-12th grade student volunteers, 80 event helpers and 350 buddies."I love seeing the kids volunteer and when you see them cheering on their buddies, it's awesome," she says.It's also an awesome day for parents and family members of the Special Olympians.Janise and Edward Wolocen of Saylorsburg were on hand to cheer on their son, Adam, a senior at PV."I think this is a fantastic event," says Edward."Adam really enjoys it. You know, all people have a special talent. Adam is autistic but he could read before he was in first grade," says his mother, Janice.They were doubly proud of Adam because he led everyone in the Special Olympics Pledge.Tom Conklin of Effort says his son, Nate, 11, always enjoys the event."It's an opportunity for kids to participate in events they normally wouldn't have the chance to," he says.PV buddy 10th grader Rachel Corcoran helps her PVMS Special Olympian, Matthew Baumgartner, 14, get ready for his next event."I need to run faster," he says and Rachel says, "Just have fun."PV 10th grader buddy, Chris Neff says he wanted to be a buddy because he's on the school's soccer team and sees how his coach is with the kids."I like helping kids too and someday I think I'd like to work with kids."Carole Geary, PVSD assistant superintendent/curriculum, says "This is the highlight of my school year. You see kids out there at their finest, from the athletes to our student volunteers. When people say our kids are problems, they should come here and see our kids shine. I also think our kids get a different perspective on their gifts-beautiful bodies and minds-as they help others with special needs. It's just my favorite day."