HHSD Spirit Day promotes inclusivity for student athletes

A student athlete and volunteer are all smiles at Spirit Day.

After the Lower Montgomery County Special Olympics was rained out, Hatboro-Horsham School District pivoted to ensure its student athletes could still experience a day of joy and inclusivity.

The Special Olympics Planning Committee modified the typical event, which would have included 12 other districts in the county, and brainstormed how to hold a district-exclusive celebration. They moved the activities indoors to the gym, renaming it HHSD Spirit Day.

Despite shorter distances, every planned event successfully took place. Student athletes ran, jumped and threw while student volunteers guided, supported and cheered them on.

“Everyone has a good time and comes together,” student volunteer Jaden Reyes told HHTV.

Natalie Cinn, another student volunteer, helped with unified track and supported one of her teammates, Shannon. “I loved seeing Shannon just try her best and her hardest. She was so excited today to see her friends and everybody here cheer for her,” said Cinn.

Watch the HHSD Spirit Day montage video.