Addison Trail hosts 7th annual West Suburban Conference Sports Spectacular

On May 2, Addison Trail hosted the 7th annual West Suburban Conference Sports Spectacular. Each year, that event invites more than 700 students with special needs from 14 schools in the West Suburban Conference to enjoy a day of sports, games, food, friendship and more. Top row, left: Addison Trail students Lucio Delgado and Nina Vargas sing the National Anthem to start the day. Top row, middle: Addison Trail student Guadalupe Garcia plays a game. Top row, right: District 88 Transition Program student Pasquale Ciarfaglia enjoys a snack. Bottom row, left: District 88 Transition Program student Austin Vitello makes a play during a basketball game. Bottom row, middle: Willowbrook student Alex Leo practices the long jump. Bottom row, right: Willowbrook student Rhiannon Iasillo participates in karaoke.

On May 2, Addison Trail hosted the 7th annual West Suburban Conference Sports Spectacular.

During the event, more than 700 students with special needs filled Addison Trail’s field house, gyms and black box studio theatre. The students were from 14 schools in the West Suburban Conference, and they participated in track and field events, as well as basketball, volleyball and floor hockey games. They also enjoyed carnival-style games, moon jumps, karaoke, tasty treats and more. The event began with a walk around the track to introduce the students, as well as the singing of the National Anthem by Addison Trail students Lucio Delgado and Nina Vargas.

The Sports Spectacular was founded in 1994 by a group of West Suburban Conference athletic directors. Addison Trail physical education teacher Sheri D’Ambrose wanted to continue the event to offer students an atmosphere of fun. For her leadership and passion and commitment to this event, D’Ambrose has been named as a Distinguished Service Award recipient by the Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (INSPRA). She was honored with that award on May 5. Be sure to check the May 12 District 88 Newsletter for more information about that recognition.

D’Ambrose said it takes the following to make the Sports Spectacular a success each year.

  • More than 100 volunteers (including Addison Trail students, staff and parents)
  • Donations from local businesses for food and refreshments
  • Donations from Great Lakes Apparel for T-shirts
  • Donations from Trophies By George for participant awards
  • Donations from A Moon Jump 4U
  • Free disc jockey services provided by BOOM Entertainment
  • Support from the District 88 and Addison Trail administration, as well as Addison Trail’s Student Council and Art Club
  • Support from NovaCare Rehabilitation (which provides athletic training services to Addison Trail)