Special students & Exceptional Games

TOWN OF CHAMPION, New York (WWNY) - Students from across the north country hit the field at Carthage Central School on Wednesday to compete in the 13th annual Exceptional Games.

More than 600 special education students from 15 schools spent the playing game after game.

“Everyone I’ve seen so far has had a smile on their face,” said student organizer Claire Rogers.

The 12 Honors class at Carthage Central puts on the Exceptional Games each year.

“We have had a great turnout this year. I think this is one of the biggest years that we’ve seen,” said Wendy LaFave, a teacher and games organizer.

The games included a beach ball toss, bowling, cornhole and more. Kids got to do a little bit of everything.

“We just got done doing ‘I build the highest tower.’ The high score was 17, but I beat it by 21,” said Blake Laning, a Watertown High School sophomore.

“We tried to kind of offer a game that would fit everyone,” said LaFave.

The students who organize the games spend all year getting ready for it. Rogers says the end result is more than worth it.

“I just love seeing everybody so happy,” she said. “Getting to know neurodivergent people has really helped me want to build this cause.”

Building on a 13-year tradition and creating an exciting, memorable day.

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