(GREENSBURG, Ind.) – The Greensburg Elementary School gym was packed with students waving signs and cheering on their classmates on Wednesday. The third annual Young Champions Together unified track event serves as an opportunity to celebrate Greensburg Elementary students of all abilities.
The event was a culmination of the year-long partnership between general education students and those with special needs. Throughout the school year, students partner together to participate in sports like bowling and track, and they also make posters together.
The event featured a running event, hurdles and even a softball toss. Fifth grader Amare’ Kramer is one of the student partners who was thrilled with the unified track event. “It was really great to see all of the kids cheering each other on, which really shows a lot about the school, everyone is so inclusive, and I love how everyone works together,” Kramer said.
School Resource Officer Brendan Bridges has been instrumental in our school corporation’s Champion Together initiative. Bridges was assisted by GES School Counselor Julie Kirkhoff and Special Education Director Inga Moore to make the event possible. “Our student athletes worked super hard, and I love the school spirit, and everybody cheering and supporting all kids no matter their ability,” Moore said. Kirkhoff added that the relationship between the student partners goes far beyond one event.
“Our student partners love working with our special needs students, they wish they could spend the entire day in class with them. They want to be fully immersed, inclusive, and it is amazing to see these young students so heartfelt and sincere, because we are all Pirates,” Kirkhoff said.
The Champions Together program is also active in Greensburg Junior High and Greensburg Community High School.
