Fourth Annual Dragon Games on May 22nd

The 4th annual Dragon Games were held May 22 at the Johnston Middle School stadium. The Dragon Games are an event held to give Johnston special education students of all ages an opportunity to showcase their talents and skills while interacting with their peers.

The Johnston special education students used to attend a day similar to the Dragon Games held at Simpson College. However, this day was too long for some students who needed special accommodations, leading to a proposal for Johnston to host their own event.

The Dragon Games were started in 2014 by JMS special education severe and profound teacher Carol Drescher and JMS physical education teacher Nicole Beer.

“This day is a really positive way for these kids to get involved and have outdoor and athletic experience,” said Drescher.

This year’s Dragon Games focused on integrating special education students with their peer helpers.  Around 100 students participated in the Dragon Games with approximately 50 peer helpers assisting the students and running the stations.

Some of the stations at the Dragon Games include bubbles, a parachute, track races, bowling, a wheelchair obstacle course and lots more.

The Johnston special ed department is working on raising money to purchase an All Ability bicycle, which allows students who need a wheelchair to experience riding a bicycle.

They are doing this by raising community awareness and selling t-shirts that say “Kindness & Inclusion are the Solution”.

“I think this bike would have a great impact on the community, especially because Johnston has a larger than average special education community,” Drescher said.

Drescher and Beer are pleased with how this year’s event went, and are excited for many more years of the Dragon Games.