For Immediate Release:
May 1, 2026

Contact:
Marci McFadden, Chief of Communications
831-706-6971

MPUSD and Special Olympics Northern California to Host Largest-Ever Track and Field Day in Monterey County at Monterey Peninsula College
Nearly 1,400 student athletes from across Monterey County to participate in a record-breaking celebration of inclusion, athletics, and community

** MEDIA INVITED TO COVER **

MONTEREY, CA -  Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, in partnership with Special Olympics Northern California, will once again host the largest-ever Schools Partnership Program Track and Field Day in Monterey County at Monterey Peninsula College.

Approximately 1,400 student athletes with exceptional needs, alongside their general education peer partners, will come together for a day of competition, celebration, and unforgettable moments of teamwork and school spirit. More than 3,500 students, teachers, staff, families, and supporters are expected to volunteer and/or fill the stands, creating one of the largest and most inspiring celebrations of inclusion and student achievement in Monterey County.

This annual event continues to grow and remains a powerful example of what inclusion looks like in action. Students from elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as adult transition programs from across Monterey County, will participate in a variety of track and field events designed to celebrate every athlete’s abilities and achievements.

Athletes will compete in sprints, distance runs, wheelchair races, throwing events, and jumping competitions, all while being cheered on by classmates, teachers, families, staff, and community volunteers.

“This day is about so much more than competition, it is about belonging, confidence, joy, and creating opportunities for every student to shine,” said Katie Rivera, Assistant Superintendent of Special Education for Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. “Unified sports remind us that when we lead with inclusion, everyone wins.”

Event Highlights:

• Largest Track and Field Day in Monterey County history
• Approximately 1,400 student athletes participating
• Students representing schools from across the county, including the following school districts: Alisal, Carmel Unified School District, Greenfield Union School District, Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, North Monterey County Unified School District, Pacific Grove Unified School District, Salinas City Elementary School District, Salinas Union High School District, Santa Rita Union Elementary School District, South Monterey County Joint Union High School District, and Washington Union School District
• Unified sports model pairing students of all abilities
• A celebration of teamwork, inclusion, and school community

WHEN:

Friday, May 8, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Please Note: Start times may shift slightly depending on school bus arrivals and student unloading.

Tentative Schedule:

9:30 a.m. | Student arrival
9:45 a.m. | Parade lineup
10:00 a.m. | Opening ceremonies
10:30 a.m. | Open Track (100m, 50m, throwing, jumping)
11:00 a.m. | Wheelchair races
12:00 p.m. | 400-meter events
12:30 p.m. | Mile run events
12:45 p.m. | Event conclusion

WHERE:

Monterey Peninsula College
Track and Field Complex
980 Fremont Street
Monterey, CA 93940