Hundreds of exceptional student-athletes from schools across the county united for a day of competition, friendship and fun as part of the Oswego County Olympiad Invitational.
The event, held May 12 in the track area outside of John C. Birdlebough High School, featured nearly 400 participants representing all nine school districts in Oswego County as well as the Center for Instruction, Technology & Innovation. Students competed in adapted events, field activities, distance races and infield games such as beanbag tosses.
The day got underway with a parade around the track and some words of encouragement from emcee Greg Callen, founder of Move Along Inc., who is paralyzed from the waist down. Callen spoke about the obstacles he had to overcome and how athletics helped him succeed.
“I found that the coaching, mentoring, life skills and qualities that I got through athletics and competition transferred right into my work and what I do today,” Callen said. “I can always go back to athletics and remember what that gave me … and how athletics gave me the perseverance and the integrity to continue to strive forward.”
The Olympiad embodied Callen’s message of perseverance, as students helped one another across the finish line, volunteers handed out ribbons, friends and family high-fived the participants, and the student-athletes beamed with pride.
“We are so proud of everyone who participated, volunteered and donated to make the second annual Oswego County Olympiad Invitational such a huge success,” said Phoenix teacher Angie Neiss, who helped organize the event. “It’s awesome to see everything come together for a fun-filled day.”
Photos of the event can be seen on the Phoenix Facebook page.
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