Kempsville Elementary special education teacher Hannah Davis said everyone benefits from the Little Feet Meet, where students with developmental disabilities compete in track and field events with the support of their general education peers.

“It’s really cool because they get to build relationships,” Davis said.

Logan Pugmire said he enjoys spending time with his buddy Keonta Harris. “I just like helping him,” the Kempsville Elementary fourth grader said. “It’s fun.”

Student athletes and their peer buddies filled the Tallwood High School stadium for the annual event May 8. Most of the more than 300 athletes and buddies stepped off school buses and marched proudly into the stadium amid cheers.

About 100 Tallwood High student volunteers cheered on and helped the students at the event, which is a partnership with Special Olympics Virginia.

Superintendent Dr. Donald Robertson Jr. welcomed the crowd during the opening ceremony and led the reciting of the Special Olympics athlete oath: “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

Members of the Virginia Beach Sherriff’s Office and Virginia Beach Police Department carried a lighted torch, signifying the fun and games were in session.

The field buzzed with track and field activities, including volleyball, soccer, an obstacle course, 50-meter dash, and lots more. Participants also danced, blew bubbles, and took plenty of water breaks. Everyone earned ribbons.

Peer buddies serve in mentor roles for students with developmental disabilities during the school year.

Several Kempsville High football players also joined the Kempsville Elementary crew for the day.  They began helping the athletes prepare in January during their physical education classes.

Junior Colton Wheeler said the players benefited from their weekly visits to the school, too.

“We now have such a special relationship,” he said. “They persevered and got better and better each week.”

Rashawnda Rives watched her daughter Blythe send a parachute into the air with her buddy, fourth grader Kylie Matel.

“She’s having a ball,” Rives said. Her daughter attends Glenwood Elementary.

“The peer buddies are amazing and awesome and are always there to cheer them on,” Rives said.

Cameron Stevenson gave his buddy Kenley Mennona a big hug before they headed to the water station after participating in lots of activities.

The pair attend Windsor Woods Elementary, where Cameron visits Kenley’s fourth grade classroom most mornings. Kenley said being a peer buddy since second grade has made her a responsible student.

“I make good decisions and I like to help others,” she said. “It makes me feel happy.”

Tallwood High seniors Zionte Corprew and Trinity Silmon served as volunteers. They high-fived the athletes as they crossed the finish line after running 50 meters.

“It’s a great thing to help these kids,” Trinity said.

“Seeing these kids have fun is what it’s all about,” Zionte added.

Brooke Dorsey, a Three Oaks Elementary fourth grader, coached her buddy Zoey Nava as she focused on the long jump. “You can do it!” she said.

Brooke said the pair practiced every Wednesday at school, and they always say hi when they see each other in the hallway.

Three Oaks Elementary special education teacher Meghan Jackson said the event shows students how they can achieve their goals.

“Today they have the chance to showcase what they have worked for all year,” she said. “They are all capable and all winners.”