Special Olympics Washington named Kent’s Martin Sortun Elementary as a National Special Olympics Unified Champions School.
Staff and students were honored March 19 with a banner in recognition of their efforts to provide inclusive sports and activities for students of all abilities, according to the Kent School District.
Martin Sortun met 10 national standards of excellence in the areas of inclusion, advocacy and respect to receive the honors. It is the first elementary school in Washington state to receive the honors, according to the district.
“I am so grateful for the staff at the Special Olympics, the Kent School District, and Martin Sortun for supporting me in getting this program started,” said physical education teacher Marla Taylor. “Kindness, inclusion, and making sure everyone belongs are key tenets of this initiative and I hope that these values continue to shine in our community going forward.”
Four students from the Kentwood High School Unified program emceed the event and spoke about why participating in inclusive sports was meaningful to them.
Ray Roberts, a former Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle and a senior advisor for Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools, led the students in several uplifting and empowering chants, filling the atmosphere with positivity and energy, according to the district. He also shared about the Special Olympics program and how important inclusivity is for all students.
Wade Barringer, deputy superintendent for the Kent School District, said a few words of appreciation, and Superintendent Israel Vela read a proclamation from the city of Kent recognizing Martin Sortun, 12711 SE 248th St., on the East Hill.
Students who participated in the program were recognized, and some also shared their thoughts.
“I like the Unified program because the coaches push us to our limits in a good way but they are also really supportive of everyone,” one student said.
With the help of mascot Cool Bird from the Seattle Thunderbirds junior hockey team, and the Kentwood High mascot, the banner was unveiled to much fanfare to close the ceremony at the school.
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Cool Bird, the mascot of the Seattle Thunderbirds junior hockey team, joins the Special Olympics celebration at Martin Sortun Elementary School. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
Ray Roberts, of Special Olympics Washington and a former Seattle Seahawks player, speaks to students and staff at Martin Sortun Elementary. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
