Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) is partnering with Special Olympics Virginia to host it’s first-ever Little Feet Meet Tuesday, April 18, at Tallwood High School. Funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education for Special Olympics Project UNIFY, Little Feet Meets provide an opportunity for young students with developmental disabilities to engage in track and field events with assistance from a general education peer. The goal of Project UNIFY is further promote inclusion and acceptance in school communities while encouraging physical fitness.

More than 320 VBCPS students from 14 elementary schools are planning to participate in the Little Feet Meet as athletes or peer training partners. Approximately 100 high school student leaders will also attend as event staff and student attendants.

In the weeks leading up to the meet, adaptive physical education teachers have facilitated activities for student athletes and their training peers to prepare for the meet’s various developmentally-appropriate races and throwing and jumping events. Ribbons will be awarded to each athlete immediately following the completion of their events.

“I am excited about this opportunity for our students and appreciate the months of preparation and collaboration between our Office of Programs for Exceptional Children, Special Olympics Virginia, participating schools and other division offices,” said VBCPS Superintendent Aaron Spence. “In addition to promoting healthy habits and fitness as well as fostering students’ social and emotional growth, the Little Feet Meet reinforces important messages about inclusivity and the abilities of all students. We can’t wait to celebrate our students’ success at the meet.”

A Little Feet Meet opening ceremony will be held from 11-11:15 a.m. Students will participate in track and field events before and after the ceremony from 10-11 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, the event will take place Wednesday, April 19.

For more information about the Little Feet Meet, contact Dr. Veleka Gatling, executive director for the office of programs for exceptional children, at [email protected] or 757-263-1405.