Daniel Teicheira Memorial Stadium played host to nearly 100 student athletes on Wednesday.
They were the participants of the annual All-Star Olympic Games at the Sierra High venue.
In the morning, they took part in the running, jumping, throwing, and other field events organized by the Adapted Physical Education Specialists of the Manteca Unified School District – namely, Derrick Burnett, Ernie Williams, and Lynn Platt.
These student athletes were from the Special Day classes at Manteca High, East Union High, Sierra High, Weston Ranch High, Lathrop High, and the San Joaquin County Office of Education.
Burnett noted that EU and SJCOE were “double represented” in forming one team.
“It’s great to see everyone having a good time,” said Anne Marie Shaw, who is the assistant principal at Sierra and along with teacher Melissa Crooker, were the organizers of the 2024 Games.
“We’ve had the (All-Star Olympics) nearly every year but one during the past eight years,” said Shaw, indicating that the COVID-19 pandemic put the games on hold while the following year was limited to students in the SHS program.
The games also feature a spirited competition between the mascots of the five MUSD comprehensive high schools.
Burnett announced that the MHS Buffalo was this year’s race winner.
The competition was once again fun and friendly, with every participant receiving a medal.
Singing the National Anthem was Miles Lima, who lost his vision at an early age. Now 14, he performs at numerous events in town, including Christmas at the Center.
The All-Star Olympics continues to be “fun and exciting,” according to Shaw, for all those involved, from participants to supporters such as teachers, students and visitors, to name a few.