As soon as they exited the buses, the students beamed. Some hugged their fans—former teachers who had watched them grow up. At least one student threw his hands in the air to announce that he was there and ready for the games to begin. Adaptive PE coaches decked out as sports broadcasters helped welcome the students to the field day event at McEachern High School for Cobb students enrolled in transition programs across the District.

With the goal of starting an annual tradition for Transition Services, Cobb’s Special Education Department coordinated the first intramural games for about 200 Cobb students with disabilities who are 18-22 years old.

“We really wanted to give our students an opportunity to experience those recreational activities that they can participate in when they go out, when they exit out of high school and graduate, and move on to the adult world,” explained Sandra Murray, Cobb Schools Assistant Director Special Education.

To commemorate the day, the students stopped into a mobile selfie truck that led to more smiles ahead of the start of the games. Once the students reached the McEachern athletic fields, the students took part in inclusive opportunities, including bowling, beach ball volleyball, soccer, badminton, basketball, and more. There was even a bouncy house slide.

“The students have been super excited. The best part of the day was when they were getting off the bus, and you could feel the excitement. They were cheering, but also, you could see their school spirit for their individual high schools,” Ms. Murray said. “As we’ve walked around and participated in the activities, what I love to see is that the schools are combining together and giving kids opportunities to meet other students that are enjoying the games today.”

In addition to the educators on the field, McEachern student volunteers assisted students in the intramural games and activities. Community organizations, like C.W. Matthews and Piedmont Church, also helped make the intramural games memorable for the Cobb students. 

“We are grateful for our community partners that have come out to help sponsor the first event,” Ms. Murray added. “We want to make sure that our students, as they exit into the adult world, they are aware of community partners that are available to them to provide recreational activities and just to provide that inclusive opportunity with their same-age peers.”