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The annual Special Olympics track and field event also featured special awards.
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Berkshire Special Olympians Compete in Great Barrington

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Hundreds of athletes from throughout Berkshire County converged at Monument Mountain Regional High School on Wednesday for the 38th annual Berkshire Area Special Olympics Track and Field Meet.
 
Participants competed in running, throwing and jumping events, thrilling to their own accomplishments and inspiring those lucky enough to witness the event.
 
The opening ceremony featured a torch run conducted by area law enforcement officers, a performance of the national anthem by the Monument Mountain marching band and a reading of the Special Olympic Oath by Kaitlyn Critchley.
 
"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt," Critchley reminded her fellow athletes.
 
The opening ceremony also included the bestowment of a number of special awards, including the Keith C. White Memorial Award, won by Jake Bassi; the Ellen C. and Sheilah Graham Award, won by Taylor Fera; and the Daniel Holian Award, won by TJ. Guaccione.
 
Monument Mountain Principal Marianne Young was presented a special award in recognition of her 16 years as principal at the school, which has hosted the county event for all but one of the 38 years.
 
Young said the celebration of sport teaches valuable lessons to the students from Monument Mountain, Mount Everett, Lee and Lenox who participate as volunteers.
 
"I think it demonstrates that there are all kinds of people in the world, and we all are welcome and have a right to participate in life and in programs, regardless of our personal characteristics," she said. "Our students see that all people are entitled to and really enjoy competition, athletics, challenges.
 
"And then our regular ed students get to help other people who can’t do these things alone. Students who can do those things alone help and give back."
 
More photos of this can be found here.

Tags: Special Olympics,   

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Pittsfield Seeks Proposals for Human Services Funding

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City of Pittsfield announced that applications are now available for funding to public service agencies to provide human service programs to benefit Pittsfield residents. 
 
Funding is for the program year beginning July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.
 
Annually, the City undertakes a process through its Human Services Advisory Council (HSAC), an 11 member volunteer committee, which reviews the proposals and submits its recommendations
to the Mayor. 
 
Last year's recommendations resulted in 21 human service programs receiving a total of $206,250 from the City general fund and from the federal Community Development Block Grant Program. Programs and consumers assisted with those funds cover a wide range of services for a diverse population. 
 
Programs include but are not limited to: services for families with children, affordable child care vouchers, homeless services, housing stabilization programs, programs for residents with disabilities and senior citizens, and arts programs.
 
Applications can be obtained by email request to njoyner@cityofpittsfield.org. Applications are to be submitted to the Department of Community Development, Room 205 at Pittsfield City Hall no later than 4:00 p.m. on January 6, 2025.
 
In addition to submitting a written proposal, applicants will be invited to come before the HSAC to make a presentation during February or March that will be televised locally.
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