Rice Hosts first ever special needs track and field event

Rice High School played host to their first ever special needs track and field event in the first week of March that provided fun and the spirit of competition to the special needs students who participated. Everyone who attended went home as winners as they witnessed the joy that comes along with sports and activity. The event promotes outdoor activity and a healthy lifestyle in an enjoyable way. The competitors competed in Rice’s Memorial stadium as they ran races, did throwing events and received medals for their performances.

The event was sponsored and hosted by Rice CISD teachers with Rice High School students helping run events and set up equipment. Lunch was provided to all in attendance by Eagle Lake's Simple Simon Pizza.

Several schools from around the area participated in the competition as their special needs students had the opportunity to travel out to the event. El Campo, Schulenburg, Flatonia and Columbus along with the hosts Rice brought students to compete in the inaugural event. Students ranging from sixth grade to 12th grade were allowed to participate and even a few students in18+ special needs programs.

After holding an opening ceremony for the event, the competitors took on a gauntlet of athletic events. Shot put, softball throw, tennis ball throw, standing jump and the running long jump were the field activities that students participated in. Once the teams hit the track, they competed in the 25m and 50m walk races as well as sprints for the same distances. They finished the day with the 100m relay race as the final event.