December 15 was a special day for everyone at Roxhill Elementary School when its kindergarten, first and second grade students were invited to romp in the gym as the school hosted the Young Athletes Play Day program sponsored by Special Olympics Washington.

Of Roxhill's 330 students, nearly 100 have special needs. This was an opportunity for all to participate and compete in soccer, basketball, and other physical activities together regardless of ability. Even Seattle Sounder Taylor Graham dove into the action.

Classrooms were divided into groups to enter the gym at three separate times.

"It's just a really wonderful opportunity for all the young children to experience being athletes and engage with peers regardless of ability level," said Roxhill Principal Carmela Dellino, a West Seattle resident. "Taylor Graham led the soccer activities. He has been a strong advocate here and has been to our school several times.

"Also, this program allowed 15 of our 5th graders who applied for the status of 'junior staff members' to participate," Dellino said. They could be seen organizing teem activities involving balls, cones, and hoops at different stations, and keeping the youngsters under control in a gymnasium filled with laughter and excitement.

Dellino explained that Roxhill School holds four programs for special needs students, a developmental pre-school for up to 24 students ages 3 to 5, a transitional kindergarten with the goal of preparing them for general education classes which works out for some, and two, K-5 autism programs, primary and intermediate.

Brooke Reece is a training manager for Special Programs at Special Olympics Washington. She and colleagues helped coordinate activities and supervise.

This program is geared for kids both with and without kids disabilities," Reece said. "For ages 2 to 7 this serves as an introductory to what Special Olympics Washington is about. When kids turn 8 they can participate and compete year-round in our program."

Reece said she is trying to get the word out to other area schools to participate in this program. She said West Seattle Elementary and Sanislo Elementary Schools will participate in early 2011, and asks that other area schools consider signing up, too.