Special Olympics brings community together at Southwest Jr. High

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Southwest Junior High School hosted a Special Olympics event Saturday, bringing students, families, and the community together to celebrate inclusion and athleticism.

The event kicked off early in the morning, with students marching from the Gadsden Elementary School District office to Southwest Junior High, where they were greeted with games, food, and informational booths.

Pilar Perez, a Special Olympics teacher at Southwest Junior High, emphasized the importance of the event in fostering community connections:

"The most important thing we want to convey is to let the community know that we are together. Our special education kids are not in a different area—we want to integrate them. We want the community to know who they are because they are part of our community."

The event provided a platform for athletes to showcase their skills while encouraging a culture of inclusivity. Parents, teachers, and volunteers cheered on participants, reinforcing the message that everyone belongs in the community.

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