UISD Kicked-off the Special Olympics of Texas, Area 21 Spring Games

Posted Date: 03/01/2023

UISD Kicked-off the Special Olympics of Texas, Area 21 Spring Games this morning. Today was the first of three days of events for participating athletes, and the energy was high as the students and their schools were introduced after parading around the field at the Bill Johnson Activity Complex.  Several school districts including the host UISD, LISD, Zapata ISD, and Jim Hogg County ISD presented their special athletes in the opening ceremony complete with Color Guard, a marching band and many cheerleaders.  Many dignitaries were on hand including the superintendents of schools, board members, administrators and law enforcement officials.  Principals, coaches and teachers proudly walked and cheered with their students around the football field at the SAC.  The face-to-face big event had been postponed during the Pandemic, so the participants were eager to be back in spirit of competition. Laura De Los Santos, UISD Executive Director of Special Education, said her team has been planning the event for six months. She says this is a wonderful experience for the students from elementary, middle and high schools.  "It is part of their instruction, but it is also a day where they get to socialize and have fun with their classmates. This is their day to shine." UISD Superintendent David H. Gonzalez said the district is proud to be the sponsor of such a significant yearly event, and he thanks the many hard-working and dedicated employees that make sure everything is just perfect for the children at their special event.  I'm committed to enhancing opportunities for special education students of our district. They mean a lot to us."