News
CVUSD Hosts First Ability Sports Festival
The Coachella Valley Unified School District held its first Ability Sports Festival, Saturday afternoon, offering students both with and without disabilities an opportunity to participate in adaptive sports.
The event was held at Coachella Valley High School, put together by two special education teachers who’ve had the goal of adapting to meet the needs of all students.
“We want our kids to know that there’s other things out there for them, there are sports that they can participate in… and we want the families to know that there’s people out here in the valley that provide these services to their children.” says Michelle Ramos, a teacher at CVUSD.
Ramos and Kimberly Lopez are both special education teachers in the Coachella Valley Unified School District and are the faces behind the first annual Ability Sports Festival.
“There’s a lot of resources for them that sometimes we don’t all know about… and so having an event like this allows all of our resources to come together so that parents can walk around and see every resource that’s available for them.” Lopez says.
The event had several sports that were modified so that all students could participate, including wheelchair basketball, switch-adapted sports for those that have limited physical abilities, as well as adapted soccer, baseball, tennis, and plenty more.
“Just to see how inclusive sports can be if we adapt and change them a little bit and allow everybody to play.”
Both Ramos and Lopez hope they can make this festival a yearly event.
With the help of SoCal Adaptive Sports implementing adaptive sports into the district, this is just a preview of what’s to come…
“They are going around to several of our school sites where they’re taking these adaptive sports out to the students, so they’re actually taking wheelchair basketball, they’re doing bocci and then they are doing sitting volleyball with all of our students.” Lopez says.
Everyone that attended the event enjoyed seeing the inclusivity in sports.
“Probably just seeing all the kids have fun to be honest. Yes. It’s so nice to see them just enjoying the day and be around other kids that are like them… it’s just the best.” one attendee said.
Overall, the festival was about working together with one another.
“Like we said, everybody was invited. It’s not just our special-ed kids. Everybody was invited just to see what we can all do if we work together.”
As of now, CVUSD is the only district in the valley to have implemented a program like this with a goal to create greater societal inclusion and understanding.
By: Tiani Jadulang
March 26, 2023
Latest Instagram Posts
A troubling history is coming to light in a Palm Desert husband’s death. 65-year old Vicky Kim is accused in the death of her husband — but prosecutors say she had previously faced several domestic violence cases involving him. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office says it had secured protective orders against Kim before a judge later resolved her cases as misdemeanors, released her from custody and terminated those orders. Now, Kim is expected to be arraigned in connection with her husband’s death. Court records allege the weapon used was a flagpole.
☕️🔥 How hot is TOO hot? A new study finds that drinking scalding-hot beverages may be linked to nearly 3 times the risk of esophageal cancer—the most common type of cancer affecting the esophagus. The takeaway? Let that coffee, tea or other hot drink cool down before taking a sip. ❤️ #HealthNews #EsophagealCancer #CancerRisk #HotBeverages #Coffee #Tea #CancerAwareness #HealthyHabits #HealthTips
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. The squishy craze!
Coachella city council unanimously approved an anti-nepotism rule that ban an any Councilmember from appointing a family member or household member to the city’s commissions and committees. Tune in to our 11 p.m newscast as our @newsbyalondra breaks down the policy.
An anti-nepotism rule will be discussed and voted on at tonight’s Coachella City Council meeting - that would ban city council members from appointing their own family members or household members to commissions and committees. Tune in to our 8:30 p.m newscast and our socials and website as our @newsbyalondra brings us the latest details on that final vote.
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. What’s your favorite NFL team?
A major cleanup is underway after powerful waves damaged 14 beachfront homes near Capistrano Beach in Orange County. Residents are concerned their homes could remain vulnerable without protective measures in place. Crews are clearing debris, while efforts to bring in protective boulders were delayed by high tide. #California #OrangeCounty #CapistranoBeach #CoastalWaves #Beachfront #WeatherNews
Two new Girl Scout cookies are coming in 2027 🍪 Meet Sparkables: a crunchy oatmeal cookie with chocolate chips and colorful sprinkles, developed with Partake in a facility designed to avoid the nine major food allergens. And for the pups: Patch Pals 🐾 Soft-baked, blueberry muffin-flavored dog cookies in four adorable designs. Both will be available online beginning in January. Which one are you most excited to try? #GirlScouts #GirlScoutCookies #NewCookies #DogTreats #FoodAllergyFriendly #CookieSeason
It’s more than just dancing — it’s fitness, confidence and community. A Coachella Valley dance studio is helping adults move their bodies, have fun and step into their power, one class at a time. And during Beyoncé’s birthday week, the energy was turned all the way up. “When in doubt, twerk it out.” See how VXN Worldwide Dance Company is getting the Valley moving — and building confidence along the way. Read more at NBCPalmSprings.com. #CoachellaValley #PalmSprings #Dance #Fitness #Community NBCPalmSprings
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. What are you going to be for Halloween? 🎃