Enhancing inclusion with then Navy Run, Jump `n' Throw. (Education 2002).

This year, schools in California, Missouri and Maryland joined more than 22,000 other institutions conducting the Navy's Run, Jump `n' Throw. These schools held programs geared for special needs students, thereby providing inclusion through sports in three exciting formats. Each event was successful in providing a fun, challenging and rewarding program for students with a disability.

In February 2002, Mr. Lee Webb, Head Track Coach and Adapted Physical Education teacher at the James Logan High School in Union City, CA, conducted the Navy Run, Jump `n' Throw Olympic Clinic, which is now recognized as the largest track clinic for students in the United States. Athletes from the Special Olympics played an important role in this regional event which attracted 22 Olympic athletes and more than 2,000 students. Children from ages 8-18 were paired with students with a developmental disability, and as partners, they participated in the clinic.

In April of 2002 Mr. Webb was the Meet Director for the Navy Run, Jump `n' Throw Track and Field Invitational Meet, established for high school athletes in northern California. The Invitational provided events in which Special Olympics athletes with a developmental or physical disability could represent their high school and compete in the same programs as their non-disabled peers. This two-day competition attracted more than 2,000 students.

In May, the St. Louis Special School District hosted the Navy Run, Jump `n' Throw Sports Day. Directed by Ms. Jackie Rahm, Sports Director for the St. Louis County Special Olympics, this inclusive program featured the senior class of Hazelwood West High School as partners, officials and volunteers.

May 23, 2002 presented a wonderful opportunity for elementary students representing Ridgeway Elementary School, Marley Elementary, Jones Elementary and Meade Elementary at the Navy Run, Jump `n' Throw Ridgeway Elementary Invitational in Severn, Maryland. A warm sun smiled on the opening ceremonies provided by the United States Navy Color Guard of Washington, DC. More than 175 students took part in four different events during this three-hour invitational. To add to the occasion, Jim Santos presented Joseph M. Valenzano, Jr., President, CEO and Publisher of EP Magazine, the first Navy Run, Jump `n' Throw President's Award for his continual support and promotion of the Navy RJT program.

This flagship event was put together by, the Partners for Success of Anne Arundel County (a family support group for special needs children), Special Olympics Anne Arundel County and Special Olympics Maryland, who worked together to support the Ridgeway Elementary Invitational.

Why is the Ridgeway Elementary School the flagship for the Navy Run, Jump `n' Throw? The answer is simple: because so many people were involved in making it an outstanding event. With more than 1,000 people representing students, Special Olympics, families, staff, administrators, Partners for Success and Navy Run, Jump `n' Throw in attendance, this illustrates the best inclusion practices on or off the playing field. Sports just happen to be the vehicle for this inclusion activity.

Because the Navy RJT program is so unique, schools may choose to use the program in a variety of teaching and activities that suit the needs of their students and staff. It also may be the only time a student with a severe developmental disability will have a chance to wear a tee shirt representing his or her school, and play on the same team as non-disabled friends. Public and private schools throughout the United States are benefiting from the Navy Run, Jump `n' Throw with a variety of opportunities for students, staff and teachers to learn about sports and each other.

To register to receive the Navy Run, Jump `n' Throw Sports Guide at no charge, visit: http://www.runjumpnthrow.org. If you have further questions about any of these events, call Frank Kolarek, Vice President, Navy Run, Jump `n' Throw at [phone].