Special Olympians Prepare for Games With Help from Hospital District

Gulfgate Health Center, part of the Harris County Hospital District, recently came to the rescue of 14 special education students who needed physicals to participate in Special Olympics.

“We got a call saying the students needed sports physicals as a prerequisite to competing in the local games,” said Michelle Fowler, center director.

The athletes, who are all students at the Harris County Department of Education’s Academic and Behavior Center, visited the Gulfgate clinic, a few blocks from their school, where they were measured, monitored and weighed.

“The staff at Gulfgate was great,” said Debbie Trebotich, track & field head coach. “Without their help, the students would not be able to compete in the local games.”

Ranging in age from 12 to17, the students are members of the Enforcers team, and compete in several activities including the 50- and 200-yard dashes. On April 26, they participated in the Houston Local Athletics Competition, and are preparing for several additional competitions this month, including the ABC Eastern District annual Special Olympics May 19. The team must compete in two local and two area meets in hopes of winning a spot in the World Summer Games June 20 through 29 in Dublin, Ireland.

“These students and their families face many challenges, so helping them was very gratifying,” Fowler said.

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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