First Annual "Run, Walk, Roll" Kicks Off Summer for Perkins Kids

Perkins' first annual Run, Walk, Roll

A Lower School summer student enjoys her watermelon wedge by the Howe Tower backdrop.

Perkins kids had three ways to kick off their week of Summer Olympics; they could walk, run or roll.

Students, teachers, and volunteers gathered to race around Perkins’ campus for the first annual "Run, Walk, and Roll" on Monday, July 2, 2012. Though some chose to run, most participants walked the event, while others in wheelchairs rolled amongst their colleagues and friends. No matter which method they chose, all came to support the opening event for the week-long Perkins Summer Olympics.

The sky was as bright as the spirits of the participants who gathered to begin the race. The first heat took off, soon followed by the second, and third. All runners were encouraged by cheering fans sprinkled along the 800-foot route. Matt LaCortiglia, one of Perkins adaptive physical education teachers and "Walk, Run, Roll" Coordinator beamed that he was, “impressed that a good amount of students ran and took the longer course.”

Considering the success of Monday’s event, the "Run, Walk, Roll" will likely become an annual summer kickoff. Organizer Adria Hodas of Health Services noted that even as smoothly as this first-time event went, the next couple years can only bring greater improvements.

At the end of the lap, all were happy to sit under a shady tree and relax. Regardless of how the participants placed, each received a refreshing bottle of water and a juicy slice of watermelon at the finish.

Kids and staff rest in the shade after the 2012 Run, Walk, Roll