PHS starts special tradition

May 1, 2005

JEREMIAH BARTZ/Frontiersman sports editor

PALMER -Palmer High School and Special Olympics Alaska have combined efforts to bring something new to the annual Palmer Relays track and field meet at Machetanz Field.

In addition to the hundreds of athletes competing in the Alaska School Activities Association sanctioned events, the Relays will also include Special Olympics events in the future.

Dale Ewart, head coach of the PHS track and field team, is currently pursuing his teaching degree and in one of his courses, leadership in a diverse population, Ewart was approached by Nicole Egan, vice president of school programs for Special Olympics Alaska, about bringing Palmer High and her organization together.

Ewart discussed the option with the PHS administration and with everyone enthused about bringing the Special Olympics to the relays, Palmer created events for the special athletes.

"It definitely could be a strong tradition for sure," Palmer activities director Brandon Blake said. "Hopefully it's something that continues to grow and be a part of this event."

Special Olympics Alaska also took a step in the direction of being represented at the ASAA state track and field meet.

John Andrews, director of special events for ASAA, said Egan made a presentation to his organization and Special Olympics Alaska will be represented at the state meet in at least one event, the 4x100-meter relay.

Jim Balamaci, the president of Special Olympics Alaska, said he hopes to see other events such as the long jump and the shot put for the special athletes in the state meet. Balamaci said it is the organization's goal to bring athletics to students with not just physical disabilities, but intellectual disabilities.

"It's a concerted effort to make people with intellectual disabilities part of the sports programs," Balamaci said. "It's all about acceptance, all about inclusion. It's about people with intellectual disabilities being the most underserved people in our communities."

Palmer High School included three special events, the long jump, shot put and 4x100 relay, in this year's Relays. Although there was not the participation originally predicted, PHS and Special Olympics Alaska see this as a base to build on for the future.

"It's a great building block," Balamaci said. "It brings this community closer together."

Balamaci said it is his organization's goal to have a relationship with all 52 school districts in the state of Alaska within the next five years.