SFUSD Students Compete in Special Olympics Soccer Tournament

Last week, SFUSD special education students from six elementary schools competed in the first-ever Special Olympics soccer tournament, the first event in a new partnership between SFUSD and the Special Olympics. Organizer Paul Zager had this to say about the event:

We had at least eighty students overall representing six district elementary schools, with eight teams split up in two divisions that for the most part was very even and competitive. All the student athletes seems to relish in the opportunity to show the skills and enthusiasm they developed over the weeks of training. I know most of us there (including teachers) were very impressed with the skills, sportsmanship, and the level of play. I think most of us were able to see and feel the initial vision of what this program could do. For all those students that were there indoors at the Sunset Recreation Center, with two games continually in play in a rotation basis for over two hours, there were very few problems. The teachers (coaches) did a magnificent job with their organization and class (team) management skills. Staff and volunteers worked very hard and efficiently, and everybody involved seemed to have a great time! We should all congratulate ourselves for a job well done! For me, professionally and personally, the gratification and satisfaction was tremendous, and I felt so honored to be part of bringing so much joy to children who are so deserving of our efforts.

There will be more Special Olympics events this spring, so stay tuned, and kudos to Mr. Zager, Carol Kocivar and the many others who were instrumental in bringing this program to San Francisco.