Sylmar High becomes Olympic venue, thanks to LAUSD's Young Athletes program

Jan. 25--The football field at Sylmar high school was transformed into an Olympic venue on Friday, Jan. 24, as the Los Angeles Unified Young Athletes in partnership with Special Olympics Southern California held its Special Olympics Festival for Preschool Students in LAUSD.

The Young Athletes effort introduces students ages 3-5 to sports skills and play activities that foster physical, cognitive and social development.

According to Patrick Merrill, Adaptive PE teacher for LAUSD, "they're going to go station to station working on object control and motor skills that are going to help them develop their overall gross motor abilities as well as get closer in socialization and team play for the future."

More than 100 students from 14 schools in the north section of LAUSD participated in the event.

The children spent time at several different sports stations including, parachute, kick-ball, rocket stomping, ball toss and an agility course.

Classes trekked from station to station, allowing every student to participate in all of the events.

"It's a great event. It's really hands-on for the kids and everyone is smiling the whole time," said Sasha Araujo, mother of Xander Araujo from Blythe Elementary in Canoga Park.

"Xander has lots of energy," she added, "and this is perfect for him".

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