Annual Track Meet
Background
Children and youth who are blind or have low vision may hesitate to participate in track and field due to past experiences with failure, fear, or lack of appropriate accommodations. Many students have been excluded from school athletics or have struggled to feel successful and included in traditional sports programs. Without access to adapted opportunities, students may face peer isolation, reduced confidence, and fewer chances to engage in physical activity.
Our Track Meet was created to change that experience.
Event Purpose
At the Washington State School for the Blind, our mission is to provide fun, engaging, and non-threatening opportunities that encourage physical activity, confidence, and connection. Our events are designed to support students physically, socially, and emotionally.
The Annual Track Meet promotes:
- Exposure to athletic opportunities
- Skill development and confidence building
- A safe and fair playing field
- Social connection and teamwork
- Inclusion and acceptance
- Increased self-esteem and independence
- Community engagement and friendship
This event is not just about competition, it’s about participation, growth, and celebrating every success.
Track & Field Events
All registered athletes will receive a schedule in Braille or Large Print for the events they select. Participants may visit additional events as time allows.
Track Events
- 50-meter dash
- 100-meter run
- 200-meter run
- 400-meter run
- 800-meter run
Field Events
- Standing long jump
- Running long jump
- Shot put
- Turbo Javelin
- Soccer goal kick
Track and field events are available to registered participants only.
Additional Activities and Stations
|
Image
|
Open to all attendees throughout the day:
- Rock wall climbing
- Swimming
- Sensory exploration
- Sensory Safari
- Coffee shop
- Braille and story time
- Animal time
- Face painting
- Community vendors and exhibits
Competition and Awards
Ribbons are awarded for 1st–3rd place in each Track and Field event across seven developmental age groups:
- 8 and under
- 9–10
- 11–12
- 13–14
- 15–16
- 17–18
- 19 and over
Each age group is divided by:
- Registered gender category
- Vision classification:
- B1: Participates without sight
- B2: Participates with usable vision
Participants are scored only against others in the same age group and vision category, though heats may include athletes from multiple groups.
Awards include:
- Track and Field event placement ribbons during the awards ceremony
- Fun ribbons for effort and enthusiasm
- Medal for the highest-scoring athlete in each age group
- Two Outstanding Athlete trophies awarded at the end of the meet
Community and Vendors
Local, statewide, and community organizations will be on-site throughout the day to connect families with resources, services, technology, and support opportunities.
Registration
Join us for a day filled with:
Running, jumping, throwing, swimming, climbing, music, Braille, animals, and fun!
- Students enrolled at the Washington State School for the Blind are automatically registered as part of the school day.
- Students who are ages 5-21 who do not attend WSSB must register in advance using the link below.