HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The Huntsville City Schools Special Education Department hosted a Track and Field Fun Day for students who receive special education services. Also at the event, there was a ribbon cutting to officially introduce the new track at Milton Frank Stadium.
"This is truly a monumental event today," HCS Superintendent Christie Finley shares. "Today we actually unveiled our renovations here at Milton Frank Stadium with a ribbon cutting followed by a special event, our track and field day, for many of our exceptional students to participate in on this awesome track. This awesome course, the wonderful tour. And these great students that just come together to make such a great dream, a reality."
Back in 2021, Huntsville City Schools approved renovations to Milton Frank Stadium. The $1.8 million project replaced and resurfaced the surface of the track, refurbish concrete bleachers and added a new long jump pit to the visitor's side of the stadium. "I'm really excited about this renovation for Milton Frank Stadium because it gives us an opportunity to start bringing in dollars to this city," said Board Member Carlos Mathews.
Students today competed in a variety of events including a 50-yard dash, 25-yard wheelchair race, a long jump, and more. "We are so excited to be here today for our track and field event," Dr. Elizabeth Long, HCS Special Education Director shares. "This is sort of a preliminary to our Special Olympics event that will be held here in October. These athletes have worked very hard to work on their jumps and their runs and throws, and they are so excited to be here today."
Dr. Long also shares how the renovations will benefit those with special needs. "Of course, built to ADA compliance, but with the work that Mr. Mack Howard has done, as well as our board and ensuring that everything here is accessible not only to our students, but individuals within the city with disabilities, it is perfect and ready to go, and we are excited about a long future of events here for students with disabilities."
This space also provides opportunities to host bigger events in the future. "This would be a perfect location for a state event," Dr. Long shares. "Of course, our students, when they compete in the Special Olympics in October, have the opportunity then to go on to a state level and even to world games. So we would love to host something here in the city of Huntsville and bring athletes to showcase this beautiful facility."