Emporia State will host the sixth annual Special Athletics Track and Field Day on Friday, May 8. The day begins at 9 a.m. with gates and registration opening at ESU’s Welch Stadium. ESU students, faculty, staff and the community are all welcomed to cheer on the athletes.
The event is expected to be the largest yet, with more than 360 athletes planned to participate from 47 schools and organizations.
A celebration of the athletes starts at 9:30, followed by a group photo and the kickoff of events. This year’s competitions include running and walking events, standing and running long jump, mini javelin, frisbee, softball/tennis throw and wheelchair events.
Attendees will find an area called The Pit Stop where they can play games, have their face painted, grab merch and engage with other activities provided by local organizations and vendors.
A staggered lunch for athletes, volunteers and support staff begins at 11 a.m. with the day wrapping by 2 p.m.
The track and field day is led by ESU Assistant Professor of Health, Physical Education and Recreation Hannah Kipfer, who founded it in 2019 after learning no similar event existed in the Emporia area. Kipfer attended special athletics events in support of her brother in their Pennsylvania hometown and saw the opportunity to bring the impactful day to Emporia while also engaging her students at ESU.
This year, the event is supported by more than 200 volunteers, including ESU, K-State and Wichita State students and employees, community members, as well as 13 businesses and organizations. ESU’s marching band will perform.