Puma Pals participate in annual district Fun Run
On Feb. 27, Tumbleweed park was alive with the sounds of hot dogs sizzling on the grill, trendy music, and the unmistakable sound of laughter. Puma Pals recently took a field trip to Tumbleweed park to partake in the 8th annual Fun Run attended by schools from all over the district. The run is conducted in honor of Disability Awareness Month and hosted by Chandler’s Mayor Jay Tibshraeny and the City Council. The event consists of a run in Tumbleweed Park, a balloon artist, a live DJ, a face painter, and a photo booth.
But the itinerary for the event includes something that lasts a little longer than a balloon or a hot dog. Participants are guaranteed memories that will last a lifetime. Special Education teacher Debra Brezinski has been attending the event for eight years, and has seen it happen “Watching how determined they are to finish, that’s the coolest part,” says Brezinski.
The adults are not the only one who benefits from events like the Fun Run. Freshman Scott Marcum has only attended two Fun Runs and already knows how special it is. “[My favorite part is] Running and dancing to the music,” Marcum recalled from the last Fun Run.
According to Jody Shagena, a Paraeducator at Perry and a coach for Unified basketball and track, “[the Fun Run] provides exposure to community activities, promotes exercise and an opportunity to see many friends from other CUSD schools.”
Brzezinski also recalls seeing the many students from variety of school mingle. “They like that camaraderie,” Brezinski adds.
Also on the Puma Pals’ calendar for Feb. 27. is a Unified Sports basketball game. The Pumas have been invited to play in the Unified Invitational Tournament division 2 and 3 playoff games against other Arizona schools. Perry’s Unified Sports program was the only CUSD school to be selected for this honor.
Events like this run, or the Special Education Valentine’s Dance are vital to the special education community. They provide the opportunity for the students to step outside the classroom, and partake in something unique. “[The Fun Run helps] show the children they can do more than just sit in a classroom,” Brezinski shares.
Mia Irvin is a senior at Perry and this is her fourth year in newspaper. She will be be the Editor-in-Chief for the 2017-18 year. When she is...
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