EAST STROUDSBURG, Pa. — It was a day filled with competition at East Stroudsburg High School South's football stadium in Monroe County.
Fans stood on the sidelines and cheered on athletes of all ages as they participated in this year's Special Olympics Track and Field event.
"I'm taking part in the javelin, shotput, and the 100-meter dash, the 100-meter is my favorite. Why? It's because I love to run really fast," said Jada Harris, a student at Pocono Mountain East High School.
She's just one of the 500 Monroe County athletes participating in the games.
"The great thing about this is these are their sports. So it's a great day of Competing, but having fun at the same time and just everybody enjoying themselves and having o be a great community event," said Aimee Ellison, a health and physical education teacher and a Unified track and field coach.
Students participated in a variety of races, jumping competitions, and throwing activities, like shotput, javelin, and softball throw.
This is the first time in three years the event is back.
"Well, we haven't been able to have it for a couple of years because of COVID, so to be able to have it today is amazing, and to have this beautiful day makes it even better," said Marianne Paige, a special education teacher with the School to Work Program at Pocono Mountain East High School.
She brought 12 of her students to compete because she knows how important the event is to them.
"Just for all the students to get out here and to mingle with other people like them and to have buddies come out, and or it lets the public in on special education and just for everyone to feel included," Paige added.
Everyone walked away a winner, receiving a ribbon to show they competed.
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