11 Klein ISD Students Earn Medals in Special Olympics Regional Swim Meet
Eleven Klein ISD students from the Klein Champions swim team represented the district in the Special Olympics Regional Swim Meet on Saturday, November 6.
The Klein Champions team won 22 gold medals, seven silver medals, and two 5th place medals in individual events. In addition, each of their 4 Unified Relay teams, which combine athletes with and without disabilities, won a gold medal. That’s 16 extra gold medals just in relay races!
Klein Champions offers Special Olympics sports participation for students with intellectual disabilities, ages eight and up. Their activities run in 8-week increments followed by a tournament modeled after the Special Olympics Texas competition calendar.
For those directly involved with Klein Champions, this accomplishment was just one major success out of many that stem from being part of this team.
“The Klein Champions team has been very rewarding to me, to my grandson who is an athlete on the team, and to every other athlete who participates in the various sports we offer,” said Charlotte Damman, Grandmother of a Klein Champion athlete and active Klein Champions volunteer. “Our special athletes form very close friendships with one another. They learn how it feels to shine by winning; they learn how to be part of a team; they learn what it feels like to make a positive contribution and to be rewarded for it.”
The sentiment rang true for another Klein Champion athlete’s family member, as well.
“The Klein Champions team is like a family to us!” said Hana Kosarek, Head of Delegation for Klein Champions, Klein ISD Special Education educator, and Klein ISD parent. “Our daughter joined in 2015, and it warms my heart watching her and her friends blossom each year. Here they find their happy place, where they can learn a few sports skills and be successful.”
Klein Champions offers swimming, golf, bowling, volleyball, basketball, tennis, track & field. Klein Champions currently has 75 athletes registered under their delegation. The team operates predominantly thanks to athletes` families, friends, and incredible community volunteers (some who are Klein ISD educators!).
For anyone who is interested in registering their child or perhaps volunteering their time to the team, please contact Ms. Hana Kosarek at kleinchampions@gmail.com.
To our Klein Champions, congratulations on this huge accomplishment! Your #KleinFamily is SO proud of you for your grit and determination and we will always be cheering you on!
View the list below of the awesome athletes, their events, and placements!
| Anna Kosarek | 3 gold medals in individual events, 1 gold medal in Unified Relay |
| Clara Pekarcik | 1 gold and 1 silver medal in individual events |
| Hannah Sale | 2 gold and 1 silver medal in individual events, 1 gold medal in Unified Relay |
| Kaitlyn Larson | 3 gold medals in individual events, 1 gold medal in Unified Relay |
| Marissa Comeaux | 3 gold medals in individual events, 1 gold medal in Unified Relay |
| Tashina Walker | 2 gold and 1 silver medal in individual events, 1 gold medal in Unified Relay |
| Ayden Brittingham | 3 gold medals in individual events, 1 gold medal in Unified Relay |
| Hayden Torres | 3 gold medals in individual events |
| Hayden Winkler | 2 gold and 1 silver medal in individual events |
| Justin Mansfield | 2 gold and 1 silver medal in individual events, 1 gold medal in Unified Relay |
| Ryne Nelson | 1 silver medal, two 5th places in individual events, 1 gold medal in Unified Relay |
Best Public Schools in Texas
Klein ISD has an established 84-year history of excellence and innovation in education with unique pathways for EVERY student in our care to ensure learners are college, career, military, and life ready. With recognition for STEM, athletics, fine arts, and academics from highly-esteemed organizations, it is clear that Our Shared Vision of every student entering with a promise and exiting with a purpose is a reality for EVERY student who walks through our doors.
About Klein ISD
Klein ISD is a school district in Klein, Texas, located in northwestern Harris County. The district spans approximately 88 square miles and serves more than 53,000 students in 33 elementary schools, 10 intermediate campuses, one high school program of choice, and 5 high schools.
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