GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – As schools throughout our area closed the books on the last week of school, a select group of athletes came together at the Gridley Special Stars Track Day.

Usually, the Track and Field Day is held in Oroville at Harrison Stadium with multiple area schools bringing their special needs students to compete. Due to COVID-19 the county chose not to hold the special needs track and field day this year. Gridley Unified School District didn’t want to fail their special athletes, so Gridley held its own track and field day, Monday, June 7^th at the Gridley High School sports facilities.

Students ages K-12 participated, marching behind their school’s banner (made by Sycamore School’s Leadership Class) during opening ceremonies at the GHS track. Then it was off to the races, literally.

Over 50 students participated multiple events including the 25-, 50- and 100-meter dashes, 50- and 100-meter tricycle race, relay race, an obstacle course, cornhole and other games. Parents, volunteers and teachers from McKinley, Wilson, Sycamore and Gridley High schools accompanied their students throughout the day, helping them at various stations, such as the face painting booth or photo booth or wherever needed. GHS Leadership class helped by manning some of the game stations and worked closely with the athletes to ensure a successful day.

The football field was full of students having fun, being active and enjoying competition. Each special star was bright in their orange “Super G” shirts, and those who participated in any of the events received gold medals.

Although it was just Gridley students this year at track and field day, all appeared to be having an amazing time. Maggie Daugherty, Coordinator of Alternative & Special Education for GUSD said of this year’s Special Stars Track Day, “It was amazing. Staff and parents reported liking it better than the big event as it was more personalized,” and that the “students enjoyed themselves and handled themselves well. Staff were super supportive, and the reason things went so well.”

Great job Gridley Special Star Athletes!