Disability does not mean inability: SJHHS’s STEPS program showcases this through the Stallion Olympics, that will be put on for all STEPS students within the Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD). Around 150 students will be participating in the olympics, and it will be held today in the Badlands.
STEPS stands for “Structured Teaching Educating Prepared Students” and is a high school program designed to meet the educational needs of students with disabilities and is implemented across our district.
This is the second time SJHHS will be hosting the Stallion Olympics. The first time was in 2022 but because of COVID-19, other schools could not be invited. That being said, it will also be the first time the entire district will attend our campus for this lively event.
“It’s a fun event to get all the kids from all the STEPS programs in the district together,” said STEPS teacher Hailey Cunningham.
“I like to see my friends from other schools, like from Dana and Capo Valley,” said STEPS student Jorge Farias (9).
The Stallion Olympics will host track & field events, of which each STEPS student will participate in at least three. These events consist of: 50 meter run, 100 meter run, 100 meter wheelchair run, softball throw, long jump, and basketball shot. Every STEPS student will receive a medal for their participation.
“I am looking forward to participating in the Stallion Olympics so that I can do the mile dash with my friends,” said Ulises Sanchez (12), another STEPS student.
Along with the olympic-style events themselves, there will also be different forms of entertainment – DJ, games, and food – for the participants to enjoy.
Lasting from 9:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the Stallion Olympics will be open for students and classes to stop by and cheer on other stallions.
To help organize and publicize the event, the STEPS program is receiving help from 50 students in the Best Buddies club at SJHHS, whose club is determined to help foster inclusivity and support to those with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
Best Buddies made posters for each high school attending the Stallion Olympics and motivational posters for everyone. These will be hung on the fence of the track and the tents of the different highschools.
“Making posters for the event was fun. I like to hang out with the best buddies, saying ‘Hi!’ to them and fist bumps and hugs. We are cool,” said STEPS student Paul Freeman (11), who will also be singing the national anthem.
During the olympic events, the Best Buddies will help motivate and cheer on the STEPS students. In addition, they assisted in fundraising.
“With best buddies fundraising and our campus business [‘Sip and Snack’] that we have, we’ve been able to buy the medals and buy some games for the kids,” said Cunningham.
The Stallion Olympics will focus on the abilities of students with disabilities, rather than the challenges they may face, which will help to decrease any stigma related to disabled individuals as well as promote better understanding and awareness.
“I just think [the Stallion Olympics] will make it more known who our kids are. I feel like sometimes being in our little bubble over here, not everyone knows who we are. So, I think it will just make it known that we are here and it’s not as scary as a lot of people think that it can be…just kind of letting everyone know that they’re normal teenagers like everyone else. They just want to have fun and be included as well,” said Cunningham.
