On April 6, Queen Creek Middle School Special Education teacher Meredith Alaniz invited Special Olympics Arizona to bring their Unified Fan Activation truck to Queen Creek Middle School. Excitement was overflowing, when the truck arrived at QCMS! With pop music playing in the background, eight students with special needs and 18 general education students tried their hand at ladder toss, bean bag toss and soccer.

“Playing sports is a great way to bring people together. We hope to grow the program to include other activities in the future,” said Brittany Doud, Director of Support Programs for Special Olympics Arizona.

Alicia Kalafus, a 7th grade student, and other general education students were picked to participate in the activity since they have  previously volunteered at QCUSD Special Education events or are enrolled in the student leadership elective at school.

“Students with special needs may appear different, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be friends,” Alicia said.

“I can play these games no problem. Why shouldn’t they be able to? I want to help the students with special needs play too,” said 8th grader Haley Cox.

Students from Queen Creek Middle School and Queen Creek Elementary recently competed in the Special Olympics Track & Field games at Desert Ridge High School. These students and others will also compete in the Special Olympics Arizona State Games May 5 and 6 in Glendale. The public is invited to attend!