In its 20th year hosted by Dartmouth Public Schools, the annual Special Olympics event saw just under 600 students from across 10 school communities.

The hundreds eager for the day’s activities that would test their skills in an inclusive environment filled the Dartmouth Youth Soccer Association fields Friday, May 16. To accommodate for the events’ continued growth, each station featured two to three separate activities. 

“Just to see it grow and grow over those two decades has been more special,” said John Breault, special education teacher at Dartmouth High and unified coach.

Adaptive physical education teacher Mike Cappello was behind the establishment of the event in Dartmouth. Back in the 1990s, he would take students to experiences like it across the state. 

“When I got here to Dartmouth, unified sports became something that was just up and coming, so we really tried to take that and build on that,” Cappello said.

He added one of his favorite parts of the day each year is seeing all of the graduates come back. 

“I have students here that are 40, 45 years old,” he said. “They're all back here doing this, and it's just so good to see them and stay in touch with them so that kind of makes my day.”

One of those notable alums was Jeremy Furtado, who championed the task of running the ceremonial torch into the field, marking the start of the games.

Additionally, Cappello said there are a number of young teachers working in the system now who were involved in the unified programs as students themselves. 

“I really enjoyed not only just the teaching, but also kind of mentoring” those teachers, he said.

The day featured games, races, obstacle courses, an inflatable slide and live music. 

Cappello said people will often refer to the Special Olympics as “the best day of the school year.”

“It definitely is my eyes,” he said.

When looking for a moment to rest, Breault said Sperry Tents gave an “incredible discount” to ensure participants had the shade to do so. 

“It's not just us putting on these activities,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of community sponsors, especially Bob Long and the entire soccer association team for lending their fields for the event.

“It's really special to see a lot of people kind of come together to help us put this on,” Breault added. “It's not possible without them.”

Dartmouth High School sophomores Gracie Barriteau, Marisa DaSilva and Isabella Batista, who are on the unified track together, were working to pass out snacks at the day’s event.

“My sister has special needs, so I grew up doing this stuff,” Barriteau said. “At school, it's a very open environment and we're all very much pushed to do unified sports.”

The three noted the large turn out and how much fun the kids were having.

“I think the kids’ smile is just so, so worth it,” Batista said.