Since 2012, Huntington Park has participated in the Special Olympics, an event that brings together a variety of students to compete in various sports. Led by adapted P.E. teacher Susan Woo, the program gives students with special needs the chance to develop athletic skills, build friendships, and foster teamwork alongside their general education (gen ed) peers.
The Special Olympics encourages students in the alternative curriculum department to participate in sports year-round, helping them gain confidence and essential life skills. It also creates an inclusive environment where students can interact with their gen ed classmates.
“It’s always nice to see when they are walking around campus and they see a gen ed student—they are so happy to talk to them and get to know them,” says Ms. Woo.
Participation benefits both special education and general education students. Through training and competing together, they develop teamwork, communication, and collaboration skills that extend beyond the classroom.
Students begin learning the basics of each sport in P.E. class, practicing weekly in the mornings. As competitions approach, training intensifies. While the adaptive P.E. class primarily participates, gen ed students often join to assist and form friendships.
So far this year, students have competed in soccer last October and most recently basketball this month. Upcoming events include softball and cheer fest in May. In cheer fest, students form a cheer team, choreograph a routine, and perform on stage, competing against at least eight other schools in the district.
In the Previous years, students have faced teams from Bell, Diego Rivera, Fremont, and Southeast, experiencing the excitement of competition and the support of their school community.
“The most memorable part of seeing the students participate is seeing the smiles on their faces,” says Ms. Woo. “They love the competition and also building friendships.”
Beyond the games, the encouragement from parents, staff, and students makes a lasting impact. Many students don’t often experience a crowd cheering them on, and this event gives them that special moment.
HP’s program is part of the larger Special Olympics of Southern California, which hosts summer events. Competing at the school level inspires students to continue their athletic journey and potentially advance to higher competitions.
With over 30 sports available, from basketball and soccer to gymnastics and figure skating, the Special Olympics provides students with diverse athletic opportunities.
At HP, students are not just training for competitions—they are building confidence, forming friendships, and proving that sports are for everyone.
Written By: Stefany Sanchez, Staff Writer