Costello-Roth Awarded Special Olympics Fellowship
Linda Costello-Roth fills many roles in the Huntington School District; teacher, special education administrator and athletic coach to name three. She's also a tireless supporter of Special Olympics and coaches the district's team.
Under Mrs. Costello-Roth's tutelage, Huntington's Special Olympians have won dozens of medals in a variety of sports and events. This past year was one of the most successful for Huntington as team members branched off into new areas of competition, training and winning and having fun all along the way.
"Linda has always believed in the Special Olympics philosophy that lives can change through the power of sport by encouraging and empowering people with disabilities, promoting acceptance for all and fostering communities of understanding and respect throughout the world," said Nancy Wilson, Huntington's district director of special education and student support services. "This happens on our community playgrounds, school ball fields or at the World Games."
Huntington has made a commitment to the Special Olympics movement and many students have embraced its competitive challenges. Supported by parents, the Special Education PTA and the district's physical education and special education departments, Blue Devil team members and coaches have not hesitated to "lay it on the line" and seek out the best competition they can find.
"No different than most; children with disabilities, through sport, have the opportunity to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship," Ms. Wilson said.
Mrs. Costello-Roth was recently named one of only five American fellows chosen this year to participate in spring workshops held in Montenegro. The sessions focused on recruiting and training high-level coaches from several countries and adapting their skills to work with athletes with disabilities to compete in soccer and volleyball throughout the world. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs through an international sports programming initiative grant. The goal is simple: To bring the global community together through sports.
"We are honored to have Linda representing our district and the United States," Ms. Wilson said. "We applaud her efforts on behalf of all children!"