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Student athletes from Burleson and the surrounding area are tightening their laces and preparing to compete in the 21st annual Spring Track Meet, which will kick off at about 9 a.m. Wednesday at Burleson High School.
“All of the kids participating have some kind of handicap or special need,” said Richard Crummel, Burleson ISD public information officer. “There are 500 or 600 athletes, and there will be at least that many people who’ve volunteered to help.”
The events will be categorized according to the students’ needs, Crummel said. A wheelchair race will be designated for wheelchair-bound athletes, while those with slower motors skills will participate alongside others with similar capabilities. Between seven and 15 area school districts will be represented.
“It just a great opportunity for student athletes from neighboring school districts to come together,” he said. “Everyone is a winner, and we give everyone a ribbon.”
Crummel has been the meet’s announcer every year since its inception more than two decades ago, and he said the gathering of community members is uplifting.
“We’ll have a ton of people come out, and it’s pretty neat to see that,” he said. “I think this is one of the most gratifying things we do.”
Crummel said he although every aspect of the event is special, his favorite part is the work of “huggers” and “greeters.” When the athletes complete the races, huggers and greeters are awaiting them in every lane by the finish line.
“When the kids finish, they get a hug or a pat on the back or a handshake,” he said. All participants will compete in at least one race.
The morning is capped off with a picnic lunch, Crummel said, noting that live jazz music courtesy of Burleson High School musicians will add extra flavor, as will the ROTC Color Guard.
“Everyone kid is involved, and everyone wins,” Crummel said.
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