Toledo Public Schools students with disabilities compete in district-wide field day

TOLEDO, Ohio — There are around 4,000 students with disabilities across Toledo Public Schools.

On Friday, they tied up their laces and put on their game faces as they raced to the finish line of the Ability Games Track Meet at Woodward High School.

"This day is all about them and giving them a chance to have fun and show off what they can do," said Amy Allen, TPS chief of student supports. "We have lots of running events, we do have one relay event which is very fun to watch, we have some tricycle events, we have some wheelchair races, we also have several throwing events, softball throw, tennis ball throw and some long jumps, so there's something for everybody."

Allen explained that students with disabilities don't always get a moment to shine. But that's all they did during the games.

"The smiles on their face, the enjoyment of competition, that no matter what place they're in, they just love just finishing," Superintendent Romules Durant described. "And then to see the parents there and the joy that they get, to see the enjoyment that their child is having, I'll tell you what, it's priceless."

Each kid represented their school with a colorful T-shirt. And while the event focused on the students, Allen explained that the games can be a learning experience for everyone, even those watching without disabilities.

"If you look around and see the joy on everyone's face you will be without a doubt that this event is beneficial for everyone and it is, for me, the high point of our year," she said.

Allowing kids the opportunity to compete and be supported and uplifted by the community is what the games and "TPS Proud" is all about.

"I hope that our student athletes take away a sense of pride, accomplishment and just feeling able and able to be celebrated."

Leaders said today was about celebrating sports and doing your personal best.