St. Bernard Parish Hosts Annual Special Olympics Event at Chalmette High

St. Bernard Parish Hosts Annual Special Olympics Event at Chalmette High

Chalmette, LA - Blue skies, big smiles, and great sportsmanship were all part of a true community celebration when the St. Bernard Parish School Board hosted its annual Special Olympic Games at Chalmette High School’s Bobby Nuss Stadium.

 

Beautiful weather and the spirit of unity served as the backdrop for the Games with over 115 athletes with special needs participating. The festivities began with the Opening Ceremonies, a parade led by the  student athletes from across the district. This procession was led by torch bearer, Jerome Hill. Then, the National Anthem was played, and School Board President Diana Dysart addressed the crowd for a brief welcome, ending with a stirring  “Let the Games Begin.”

 

The games included javelin and ball throw, 50 and 100 yard dash, and long jump. Throughout the day there were smiles, applause, and cheers. When scores were tallied, winning athletes stepped up to the podium to receive their medals. Joe Cipollone, Special Education Supervisor for the school system, credits the spirit of cooperation for the success of the Games. “From the ‘buddies’ who coach and escort our Olympians to the coaches, educators, and community partners who cheer them on, today is about coming together in celebration of our students.”
 

His colleague and fellow supervisor Alison Gros was also quick to credit the people behind the scenes that make such a big event possible. “The Special Olympics is a result of the countless hours of hard work by school administrators, school staff, volunteers, and other community and service organizations,” she said. “We are grateful to them all.”

 

Both were also quick to credit their colleagues, Robin Vieregge and Vicki Nuccio for being so instrumental and helpful in ensuring success. “They contributed a lot of time and effort and really made this event a special one for everyone,” Gros said. 

 

Cipollone also gave big thanks to all of the parish officials, volunteers, community partners, and helpers. “Special kudos also go out to our Maintenance Department crews for working tirelessly behind the scenes to set up and ensure that everything ran smoothly.” He also expressed gratitude for this year’s sponsors which included: 

 

Valero

Stolthaven

Meraux Foundation

PBF Chalmette Refining

Friends of Special Olympics

Jason Campagna in memory of Janice A Campagna 

Knights of Columbus

Brewsters

Today’s Ketch

Campos Seafood 

AJ’s Produce

Parish President Pomes

Greyhouse Boutique

C.J. Dettwiller Truck Service

St. Bernard Parish Assessor Jaylynn Bergeron Turner

Suburban Title,  Diana and Judge Danny Dysart

Picou Group

Kiwanis of St. Bernard 

St. Bernard School Board

St. Bernard Parish Government

St. Bernard Fire Dept.

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Dept.

Chalmette High School

Principal William Scheneider

Chalmette High School Buddies 

Trist Middle School Buddies

Richard Neyland

Emile Jude Pellitteri

Alvin Jones

The Honorable Kim C. Jones

Troy Taylor

Hunter Taylor

St. Bernard Sports Hall of Fame

Nunez Baseball Team

Autism Krewe

CAM Industrial Solutions

Starbucks 

 

Qualifying athletes will compete in the state Special Olympics in Hammond later this spring. Congratulations to our athletes, coaches, staff, volunteers, and all who made the games possible.