MASD Hosts First-Ever Special Olympics
Five months ago MASD special olympic athletes were in danger of not having a competition this year. Thanks to the District’s Special Education Department, that wasn’t the case for the more than 60 students who participated in MASD’s Special Olympics Field Day on May 28, at MAHS. Students got the full ‘olympic experience,’ including opening ceremonies, track and field events and ribbons, and an olympic village.
The Special Olympics “Area M,” which includes south-central Pennsylvania, had to cancel their large-scale event due to the lack of a sizable facility. The Middletown event was a district-wide celebration, with students from all buildings serving as spectators who rallied their peers, and almost a 100 high school students who were athlete buddies, face painters, and olympic village volunteers.
MAHS junior and Blue Raider Baseball Pitcher Landon Cochran served as an event buddy, but also extended extra support with a donation of $500 from his charitable foundation, Pitching for Pediatrics.
Pitching for Pediatrics (P4P) came about after Cochran’s selection to the New Balance Baseball Future Stars Series (NBFSS) in 2022, when he was inspired to positively impact society. NBFSS’ focus on player development off the field, with its demand for its scouted prospects to do charitable work and fundraising, paved the way for Landon’s charitable ambitions.
In addition to supporting the MASD special olympics event, P4P has locally aided Penn State Children’s Hospital, The Middletown Homes, Christmas gifts and card drives, support to a family struggling with a medical diagnosis, and LSTAA Baseball and Softball.
MASD would like to thank P4P and all of our sponsors for helping make field day a memorable event for all students!