GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. - After being cancelled the last two years, the Berkshire County Special Olympics track and field day returned Wednesday.

“It gives me goosebumps because we’re back,” said Sergeant Jake Gaylord of the Berkshire County Sheriff’s Office. “It’s been a long two years. It’s great to see the athletes out here again.” 

What You Need To Know

  • The Berkshire County Special Olympics track and field day returned on Wednesday
  • The event had been cancelled the last two years because of the pandemic
  • Hundreds of athletes competed in races, the long jump, and the softball throw
  • Wednesday’s events were qualifiers for the state-wide summer games in Boston next month

 

Hundreds of athletes competed in races, the long jump, and the softball throw at Monument Mountain Regional High School, all cheered on by family and friends.

“My mom is here, my mom is mine and my brother’s biggest supporter,” said Shannon Cowell. “Even the cops from Pittsfield and wherever else they come from, they’re always big supporters, and they help us a lot too.”

“I’m totally excited,” said James Cowell, Shannon’s brother. “It’s good that they got it back this year. I was a little nervous, a little scared they weren’t going to have it back.”

Some athletes, like James Cowell, have been competing here for more than a decade. The strong friendships he’s built over the years keep him coming back.

“My team will root for me, and I’ll root for them,” said Cowell. “And sometimes if I’m down, if I’m nervous or something, they’ll just say ‘you can do it!’ That’s why I like the team aspect of it.”

Wednesday’s events were qualifiers for the state-wide summer games in Boston next month. Thanks to fundraising efforts led by Sergeant Gaylord, like the Western Massachusetts Law Enforcement Torch Run, local athletes and their families won’t have to pay for travel across the state.

“We’re all one big family at the end of the day,” said Gaylord. “The Law Enforcement Torch Run, we’re here for them. We’re here to help raise awareness and money, so they can compete throughout the whole state and not have to worry about anything.”