Opening ceremonies of the Unified Gifted Games at Hollister High's Andy Hardin Stadium.

Lea este artículo en español aquí.

Athletes from more than two dozen area schools competed at the 20th annual Unified Gifted Games held on May 9 at Andy Hardin Stadium at Hollister High School.

According to Sam Sauer, a Gilroy Unified Adult Transition Program teacher, 25 schools attended the games. 

“I first participated back in 2010, ” Sauer said. “That was my first Gifted Games, and I have seen it grow significantly over the past 15 years or so.”

According to Sauer,  this year’s event included many different sports and activities, such as softball, the long jump, and the football throw, as well as inflatables. 

“We are having an amazing time, as always,” Sauer said. “We love this event and look forward to it every year.”

“I think this event is awesome,” said Hollister High Behavioral Support Supervisor Vanya Robles Davidson, adding that everyone was “having a terrific time.”

Mateo Sotomayor in the wheelchair race. Photo by Adam Bell.
Mateo Sotomayor in the wheelchair race. Photo by Adam Bell.

Cristina Vasquez’s son, Mateo Sotomayor, participated in the wheelchair race.

“We love it,” Vasquez said. “I hope we can do it more times in the year. My son was very excited and trained a lot.”

Luke Kahie. Photo by Adam Bell.
Luke Kahie. Photo by Adam Bell.
Posting of the Colors by Post 9242. Photo by Adam Bell.
Posting of the Colors by Post 9242. Photo by Adam Bell.
Freida Agawo playing baseball. Photo by Adam Bell.
Freida Agawo playing baseball. Photo by Adam Bell.
Leilani Telles and the Javelin Throw at the Unified Gifted Games. Photo by Adam Bell.
Leilani Telles and the Javelin Throw at the Unified Gifted Games. Photo by Adam Bell.
Unified Cheer and Baler Cheer Performance. Photo by Adam Bell.
Unified Cheer and Baler Cheer Performance. Photo by Adam Bell.
The students doing 50-Yard Dash. Photo by Adam Bell.
The students doing 50-Yard Dash. Photo by Adam Bell.
The students and the wheelchair race. Photo by Adam Bell.
The students and the wheelchair race. Photo by Adam Bell.

I am a lifetime resident of Hollister and was born in San Jose. I have a passion for photography and reporting in San Benito County. Since 2019, I have been working for a successful non-profit, Growing...