12-06-2025
Students shine during Special Olympics Games
ANDOVER — More than 200 student-athletes had their moments to shine during the annual Special Olympics School Day Games at Andover High School's Lovely Field a week ago last Tuesday.
The event was a collaboration between Andover and North Andover schools, which partnered with the Special Olympics of Massachusetts for the annual games.
This marked the 22nd year North Andover has participated in the games and Andover's seventh year.
The athletes, escorted by the Andover Police and Fire departments, paraded along the school's track as family and friends cheered them on with signs from the stands on a sunny morning. Some athletes danced to the music from the high school's drum line.
Student athletes competed in track and field events like the 50-meter dash, tennis ball throw and standing and running long jumps. Field events also included activities like bean-bag tosses and soccer ball dribbling. There was also a ring-toss for younger athletes and a specialized program for athletes in wheelchairs.
Mark Gauthier, 7, was one of the young North Andover athletes who had a big smile on his face as he jumped over hurdles on the field.
Gauthier was cheered on by his fans, including parents, a sister, a niece and an uncle who smiled while watching their athlete having a blast. This was the second year in which Gauthier has participated in the games. He had already competed in three field events during the day.
'He is shattering records out there,' said uncle John Crockwell.
Crockwell was holding a large, neon-green sign for his nephew which read: 'Go Markey, my guy.' Crockwell said the athlete saw the sign and his eyes lit up.
His father Mark Gauthier described his son as a shy kid who wasn't as sociable before starting school. He watched as Mark was having fun with his classmates in a large crowd.
Erica Dellorusso said she's seen a change in her brother since he enrolled in North Andover schools.
'He never would have done this before,' Dellorusso said.
At the other end of the field, five-year-old Adriel Lopez was taking a break from the action by keeping his father Rafael Lopez busy running around. His mother Adriana Lopez said her kindergartner loves being outside and this was his third year attending the games.
'And it's just nice seeing the community come together,' she said.
North Andover Superintendent Pamela Lathrop said it's a fun day for the kids to be able to communicate who they are and thrive in an environment geared toward them. It's something the two school districts have strived for in their collaborative efforts.
'Everything is appropriate for them, every activity they can participate in and their families are really proud,' Lathrop said.
Andover Superintendent Magda Parvey said the two districts look forward to this day each year.
'It's the students' day to shine and to really be recognized in a special way,' Parvey said. 'But it's also about people coming together in the interest of our kids. That's why we're here.'
North Andover's involvement in the Special Olympics began more than two decades ago thanks to the efforts of a parent of a child with special needs. Lathrop recalled her school district started participating in Special Olympics when she was a teacher and continued when she served as a principal.
'It has been great to be able to grow the program and share resources and make it a really special Olympics for all the kids,' Lathrop said. 'It's a great way to pull the two communities together and let the kids have fun and the families come out and enjoy it.'
