Westlake holds Special Olympics at high school track

The Westlake Kiwanis, along with the Westlake School District, sponsored the First Annual “Westlake Kiwanis Family and Westlake School District Special Olympics” on Saturday, July 17.

The event began with a parade around the Westlake High School Track, which was led by the Special Olympics Torch followed by the participants, parents, caregivers and members of the Westlake School District, Westlake Kiwanis, Westlake Key Club and Westlake Aktion Club. They marched to the Olympic theme music being played over the public address system.

The Rocky River Adult Center choir led the crowd in the singing of our National Anthem.

There were 67 entrants in the various events from Cuyahoga and Lorain Counties. They competed in the 400 meter run, softball throw, standing long jump, 25 meter walk, 50 meter dash, 25 meter wheel chair run and the 25 meter assisted walk.

Russ Milan of the Westlake Kiwanis was the event organizer and hopes this event will be an annual affair. Members of the Westlake School District, Westlake Kiwanis, Westlake Key Club and the Westlake Aktion Club aided in everything, including organizing the parade, handing out water, helping the Special Olympians with their various events and judging the events.

Mother Nature played her part with a beautiful sunny day and though the temperatures were high, so were everyone’s spirits.

Victor Rutkoski is Secretary of the Westlake Kiwanis.