Special Olympics is a inclusivity celebratory event hosted at Fossil every year. It gives an opportunity for students of all abilities to participate in track, throwing, and jumping events. 

Many volunteers help out with Special Olympics to keep this event running smoothly. Adding on to the many volunteers, Fossil’s leadership program also helps out. Some peer volunteers help out to be an extra support for all the athletes that are participating. 

“It’s great. It’s good to see all the kids have fun, and it’s a good experience for everybody that volunteers here,” said junior peer helper Maddie Kubat. 

“It’s just a really good experience. It feels good in my heart. It is such a good experience to be with new people and hang out with everyone,” said Maren Kaupang, senior peer helper.

Kubat and Kaupang were some of the peer buddies that helped out with Special Olympics. They both supported athletes when they were participating in the running, throwing, or jumping events. Peer buddies like Kubat and Kaupang are some of the biggest cheerleaders on this day for every athlete, no matter the school.

From a crowd standpoint, it is a very positive day. The crowd becomes full of students and parents cheering everybody on, the crowd stays full and loud until the last events of the day come to an end.

“It was fun to see everyone outside, such a great event,” said senior Andrew Hamlin. Hamlin was in the roaring crowd of people throughout the day, and explained how much he loves watching this event, and how positive and happy the energy is.

Overall, the 2026 Special Olympics had a great outcome of parents, students, peer helpers, and athletes of all abilities. Everyone is ready for next year’s Special Olympics. It is such a positive and happy event, and the nice weather and loud cheers from the bleachers helped make this day even better for everyone.