The door swings open and Public Service Academy sophomore Bianca Gabardo breezes into the room with a smile and open arms as she greets Njoki, a sophomore special education student. The two share a “special bond” Eilieen Higgins, Coppell High School special education coordinator said.
The day starts off with a hug from Njoki, and a round of hugs and high fives with everyone else. Gabardo will help the kids play games, stretch, eat, etc.
“We have gotten some amazing equipment these past couple of years. The kids have so many amazing things available, like the wall the engineering students built and the ipad.” Higgins said.
Her job involves her helping the students get engaged with the equipment. Things like playing on the iPad help their motor skills, and using the exercise ball to move around.
Coaching the Olympics involves similar tactics. Gabardo’s role as a coach is to be the kids mentor and fire behind the confidence. Coach’s are meant to inspire the kids to succeed, and have fun.
“Having a good attitude all the time is one of the most important parts. The kids believe what you believe.” Gabardo said.
So if the coach has a good attitude, so do the kids. Gabardo has to show the kids that no matter what their challenges are, they can beat the odds. When coaching in a particular event, Gabardo helps the kids work through their challenges and face their fears.
Gabardo has been working with special education students since sixth grade.
“They are just normal kids who want to be treated like normal high school students,” Gabardo said. “So I try to give them that. I treat them how I treat all my regular friends, and that’s what makes a good Special Olympics coach.”
Every year around the time of the Special Olympics, students across Texas prepare for many events, including aquatics, equestrian, tennis and even speed skating.
“Visiting with these kids makes my day everyday. They have such different outlooks on life, and its so inspiring to see kids who have to go through things I can’t even imagine, yet they go through it with smiles and refuse to let it get them down,” Gabardo said.
Gabardo got involved as a coach this year, and was referred to the program by Higgins.
“Bianca has such a way with my students. They all light up when she comes in the room, and she is always so real with them.” Higgins said.
As a coach, Gabardo spends time with the kids working on their individual sports and poses as their encourager, and strong hold.
“She gets really enthusiastic when she works with the Special Needs kids. She is always talking about them, and how much she loves them. Its actually pretty inspiring to see that in her,” sophomore Caitie Galvin said.
The activity is not only rewarding for Gabardo, but for the kids as well. The Special Needs students benefit from the physical activity and company of their peers.
“What most people don’t realize is that these students are just like [high school students] today. They may learn differently, but they still like the same pop stars, TV shows, and food that all the other students do,” Higgins said.
“The most rewarding part of it all isn’t for me, it’s to see my kids up there just enjoying what they do. They have blessed me more than I could have ever blessed them,” Gabardo said. “Being a coach has been one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve ever made.”
Written by: Mabry Culp
thecoppellacademynews 