Children and Youth

Gifted Games reaches its 12th year

Event has grown over the years to give hundreds of special needs students a feel for the thrill of competition
gifted games 1.jpg
gifted games 1.jpg

The 12th annual Gifted Games, which began as a way to allow 30 Life Skills students from San Benito High School to experience the thrill of competition, has become a community-wide celebration of hundreds of special needs student-athletes from around the area. This year, because of winter storm damage to Andy Hardin Field, the event was again held at Gilroy High School. In recent years, the event has rotated between Gilroy and Hollister because of its growing reach and popularity.

"We have students from Gilroy and Hollister schools attending from preschool through high school," said SBHS Life Skills teacher and event organizer Tania Sauer ahead of the Friday, April 28th event. "The event has grown so much over the years and I am so thankful for the support both communities have given us."

Last year, more than 400 students with disabilities competed in physical sports and games, which Sauer says helps them "feel a sense of pride, accomplishment, socialize, and have fun with their classmates and the community."

Gifted Games Events

  • Standing Long Jump
  • Soccer Ball Kick
  • Frisbee Throw
  • Softball Throw
  • Turbo Javelin
  • Running Races—Mile, 50-meter, 100-meter, and Relay (Mile and lap)
  • Manual Independent Wheelchair Races —10-meter, 25-meter
  • Motorized Independent Wheelchair Races
  • Assisted Wheelchair Races

 

Adam Breen

Adam Breen has been a San Benito County resident since 1980 and graduated from Sacred Heart School and San Benito High School before earning a bachelor's degree from California State University, Fresno. A father of two sons, Adam has taught newspaper, English and yearbook at SBHS for the past decade, after six years as a magazine editor for Santa Clara University. He previously was editor of the Hollister Free Lance and content director for BenitoLink.