Posted by William Reilly on May 15, 2023
On May 9, 2023, Lynn Rotary again co-sponsored, with the Reading Cooperative Bank, the Special Games for special education students of Lynn Public schools.  Many Rotarians and dignitaries attended the games; they all greeted the Lynn Police who ran from the police station (about 1.5 miles) to Manning Bowl.  After everyone sang the National Anthem, the police followed a color guard and led the students around the oval ¼ mile track before the official start of the games.  The students passed through a “Lane of Honor” consisting of Rotarians, Reading Cooperative Bank volunteers, Police, dignitaries, School Officials, Firemen and others.  The students, many of whom carried the banner of their school, marched in procession prior to the start of the games, smiling and welcoming the applause for them.  Ms. Julie Thurlow, President and CEO of Reading Cooperative Bank gave the official start to the games with a “Let the Games Begin” shout-out!
 
The Games provided great fun for these students at Manning Bowl.  During the games approximately 450 students tested their skills at a wide variety of games including: bounce houses, slides, throwing games, bowling games, bike riding games, games of skill and others.  Lynn Technical and Vocational High School students helped to run the many different game stations available to the special education students.  After the Games all of the students were given official game medals.
 
This is the 51st time since 1970 these Special Games were held, all of them sponsored, at least in part, by Lynn Rotary.  There was a two-year hiatus because of the pandemic.  For over thirty years Lisa Neirch, associate commissioner of the Department of Public Works, has been the Games coordinator.  Members of the Lynn Fire Department deserve special recognition as they sprang into service cooking burgers and dogs when a local restaurant could not fulfill its commitment due to a staffing shortage.  The day was truly a community effort!
 
Pictured here are some of the Rotarians attending with Mayor Nicholson.