Golden effort by special students

The Digby Regional High School track and field team had a special contingent of athletes participating in this year’s district events in Bridgetown on May 17 and regional events in Kentville on May 25. This is the first year special students at DRHS competed in the shot put, long jump and 100 metre dash events.

The team of Charmaine Amero, James Amero, Shannon Amero, David Axeworthy, Bryden Mitchell, Shane Mullin, Brittany Robicheau, Nikki Speichts, Travis Sullivan and Christopher Wheeler were coached by Ben McNeil, Jason Francis and Simon Francis. Valuable student support also came from Jesse Hersey, Emily Dugas, Gordon Wilson and Kyle Squires.

The cold, rain and wind in Bridgetown did not dampen the spirits of the 10 athletes. They were well dressed and ready to represent DRHS. Members from the school’s track and field team met the special athletes upon their arrival and made sure they each had a DRHS uniform to wear in their events. There were many positive comments from the fans and spectators when Digby’s special athletes took to the field in the DRHS jerseys.

At the district level, the focus is on participation and not competition therefore all special athletes are encouraged to do their best and are recognized for their efforts and team spirit.

The weather in Kentville was substantially different from Bridgetown with a glaring sun and temperatures of 27 degrees. With everyone plastered in sunscreen and lots of water, the DRHS special athletes showed great determination and team spirit in their three events.

Five team members placed in the top five in their events: Christopher Wheeler placed fourth in the standing long jump and Nikki Speichts placed third. In shot put, James Amero took second with Speichts coming in fourth and Charmaine Amero took third for the girls. In the 100-metre dash, Speichts won his heat, placing second overall while in the girls 100 metre, Shannon Amero came in fourth.

Four team members went on to represent Digby at the provincial finals in Sackville on June 1. Coach McNeil accompanied the athletes and with the members of the DRHS track team that also proceeded to provincials cheering them on, the four did an outstanding job with Shannon Amero placing fourth in the 100-metre dash, James Amero brought home the bronze medal in shot put, Charmaine Amero won gold in the shot put, and Nikki Speichts outran the pack for the gold in the 100 m dash.