Madera County LIFE Games a success

For The Madera Tribune

A student participates in physical education activities.

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More than 350 students with special needs participated in the annual annual LIFE Games hosted by Madera County Superintendent of Schools on November 16 at the Madera Fairgrounds. 

LIFE Games is an event that demonstrates that all students, even the most severely disabled, can be included in ­­­any activity with the right preparation. Students participated in four different series of activities throughout the day. Activities focused on physical education, sensory, and visual and performing arts standards. Students also demonstrated teamwork with large team activities such as human foosball and pool noodle field hockey. 

“The students are the competitors for the games and champions not only for the games, but for the way they face their daily challenges,” said Dr. Cecilia Massetti, Madera County Superintendent of Schools.

Community agencies such as the Madera police, fire and sheriff’s departments, Camarena Health and Madera Special Needs Sports and Recreation, offered informational booths for students.  Vendors from 14 different agencies participated in the event. 

Students from all districts in Madera County are served in the regional programs operated by Madera County Superintendent of Schools. More than 350 staff members and community volunteers participated. Volunteers from the Madera Rotary Club and Mid Valley Disposal cooked 850 hamburgers for students, parents, and volunteers. 

MCSOS LIFE Games received a Golden Bell Award from the California School Boards Association (CSBA) and the 2016 Apple for Excellence Award from California County Boards of Education (CCBE).