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The CFB All-Stars, a team of Special Olympics athletes from Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, competed in the district's 25th annual track and field meet on March 26 at Standridge Stadium.
The opening ceremony featured a parade of athletes led by the Creekview HS Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps. Special Olympics athletes led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, Texas Pledge and the athlete oath. Reagan Pfaffenberger, a choir student from R.L. Turner High School, sang the national anthem.
City officials, Superintendent Dr. Wendy Eldredge and Miss Texas, Annette Addo-Yobo, addressed the athletes, offering words of encouragement and highlighting the significance of the event. A torch run, conducted in memory of former CFBISD All-Star athlete Ryan Mehnert, included selected students and school board members who lit the ceremonial torch.
"We had a fantastic day filled with exciting track and field events," Leslie Halencak, special olympics coordinator, said. "Our deepest gratitude goes to the volunteers and everyone who made this possible. This event is incredibly special for our athletes."
Prior to the start of the meet, Halencak was recognized for her 25 years of service to CFBISD’s Special Olympics program. Under her leadership, the program has grown significantly, expanding from a small group of athletes to include hundreds of dedicated participants and their families.
In 1999, Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD formed an “All Star” team of 16 Special Olympics athletes. The program has grown to more than 230 students and is a model for other districts to aspire. The team offers bowling in the fall and track and field in the spring. The annual track and field meet draws athletes from other districts that are unable to host such an event due to limited coaches and budget.
For information about volunteering or participating as an athlete, please visit the CFBISD Special Olympics website.
