May 25 was a big day for students enrolled in our Life Enrichment Education Program throughout Clackamas County. For the first time in four years, they were able to celebrate all they can do at the LEEP track meet at Garrett Field adjacent to Gladstone High School after a COVID-forced hiatus.
Nearly 100 students with complex disabilities competed in over 40 events, from sprints with and without gait trainers and adapted bicycle races to field events like the soft javelin throw, ball toss, and bowling ball roll. Each student participated in at least four events and was awarded medals celebrating where they placed.
The students’ families and LEEP staff cheered on the students with pompoms and homemade signs from the sidelines, but the track meet gave them even more opportunities to be engaged. Parents and staff assisted the students as needed, crossing the finish line with them hand-in-hand.
“The LEEP track meet is meaningful to the students, but it’s even more meaningful to their families. Sometimes the parents run the race with their children,” says Adaptive Physical Education Teacher Karen Morley. “I’ve had parents say to me, ‘I’ve never had people cheering for my kid before,’ and it means so much to them.”
This year marks the 19th year of the event — and planning for the 20th year has already begun.
