LODI – The morning started out gloomy and drizzly but that didn’t damper spirits one bit as hundreds of friends, families, volunteers and athletes descended on the football field at Cloverleaf High’s Gene Clark Stadium May 11 for the second annual Cloverleaf Track and Field Day in partnership with Special Olympics Medina County.

Boys and girls of all ages, from elementary through high school, with special needs, competed in track and field events such as the softball throw, the standing long jump, ramp roll, tee ball push and running the 10-, 25- and 50-meter assisted and unassisted footrace, wheelchair 25- and 50-meter race and relay races.

Athletes and volunteers represented Buckeye, Brunswick, Cloverleaf, Highland, Medina, Black River, Wadsworth, Sacred Heart and Windfall schools. They entered the stadium behind banners bearing the names of their respective schools and accompanied by their superintendents, Cloverleaf school board members and other notables from the county.

Once the games began, volunteers manned various stations on the field, measuring distances where necessary and delivering ribbons to athletes as they completed their respective courses.

Regina Safarz, parent and member of the Medina County Advisory Board for Special Olympics manned the welcome tent with Stacie Kovach, coach for the Special Olympics swim team. Safarz said it is important to get the word to parents of children with special needs that the organization exists and the opportunities available for the families. She explained how the adult Olympians take the younger ones under their wing and get excited over their successes. She said, “It is so cool to watch.”

Student volunteers from Wadsworth High, Gabbie Earnest, Axel Mueller and Brandon Miksch assisted with field events.

“It’s really fun and cool to watch the kids cheering and helping,” Earnest said.

Volunteers are needed to assist in the Medina County Invitational to be held at Medina High School June 3. Over 300 athletes will be competing in tennis, track and field, bocce ball, volleyball and power lifting. Contact Betty Romito via email SOMCvolunteer@gmail.com for information and/or to volunteer.