This was my first year teaching in a special needs school. I was uncertain what to 1 at our annual Special Sports Meeting. My students had different 2 , from mild learning disabilities to severe brain diseases.
Mark was one with the latter, limited to a 3 . However, he 4 greeted everyone with huge smiles. His classmates loved him and often took their time to make sure of his participation in group activities, especially Mike, Andy and Lucas, all 5 at sports. Mark imagined being like them. Watching and cheering for their elegant 6 on the playground seemed to fill him with wonder.
The big day came at last and the final 7 was the 400-meter race. Everyone was invited to 8 according to their own ability. Mike, Andy and Lucas 9 to prove who the best athlete was. But when they reached the finish line they paused and looked behind them. At the back, determined not to be left behind, was Mark, 10 on the track in his wheelchair with half the distance left to 11 . Looking at each other, a 12 thought passing between them. Slowly, they jogged back towards their friend, 13 him on as he had done for them before.
The progress was 14 , but eventually they crossed the finish line together to the cries of their teachers and classmates. I came to understand what makes the Special Sports Meeting so 15 .
