The Superstar Olympics Track event was hosted at Marion High School on May 8 for the fourth consecutive year. Kara D’Ambrioso, Ben Ethier and Jacob Ciabatti are the event coordinators who created a personalized competition for students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDDs).
“Superstars got started when we [staff and students from the same middle school] were volunteering at a Special Olympics event, watching one of our incredible student’s bubble get burst over the fact he was only volunteering…and not able to participate yet,” D’Ambrosio said. “It really got us thinking, ‘Why don’t we have this accessible to middle school?’ and more importantly, ‘How do we make this happen for this kiddo and community who could both benefit equally from something like Superstars events?’”
Inclusion was the ultimate goal, with the idea of connecting everyone through common sports and outdoor fun.
“Events like Superstars are important because they create real inclusion opportunities. It gives students a chance to connect with peers they may not normally interact with,” Ciabatti said.
Superstar Olympics is an inclusive organization that puts on three events each year. There is a kickball event in the fall, bowling in the winter and, the biggest event, a track in the spring. This year, over 350 participants came from middle and high schools to volunteer.
“My favorite part of the event is the running events because we get to cheer the athletes on and run alongside them,” Freshman Brielle Anderson.
The inclusivity that these events offered helps create a rewarding and positive atmosphere for athletes.
“What I enjoy most about the Superstar Olympics is that it is one of the few times a year you can see pure joy all day long,” Ciabatti said. “You see students stepping out of their comfort zones, cheering for one another, celebrating every success, and feeling proud of themselves.”
The goal with these events is to create more friendships and inclusive experiences early in school. The success with these events is seen and heard every year.
“I hope this impact goes beyond just one day or one event. We want students to leave with more empathy, stronger relationships, and a better understanding of what inclusion actually looks like,” Ciabatti said. “I also hope athletes leave feeling celebrated and valued. We have accomplished our goal if students walk away treating each other with more kindness and respect in their school communities.”
Every school brings volunteers for their athletes, as well as the volunteers who help run the events. These volunteers were from Kennedy High School, Marion High School and Franklin Middle School.
“In a world where we can be more divided than ever, we choose inclusion and know that these aren’t just students with disabilities, but students who now have a place to embrace their ABILITIES, feel what it’s like to be part of a crowd, try something new, and get to participate in sports that the rest of their peers do,” D’Ambrosio said.
