Inclusivity First at Needham Special Olympics

September 22, 2025
• The Charles River Center welcomed athletes of varying abilities to participate in games at DeFazio Field.

Between a youth baseball game and soccer practice, 140 additional athletes gathered at DeFazio Field Saturday morning for their own series of feats. This, however, was special.

The Ellie Bloom Special Olympics, now in its 37th year, welcomed participants of all ages and abilities to take part in a series of games geared toward accessibility, connection and fun. The non-competitive event, hosted by the Charles River Center, included bocce, a ring toss, basketball, bowling and more.

Organizer Laurie Anastopoulous, senior director of family and in-home supports at the Charles River Center, said the focus is always on inclusivity and ensuring athletes, regardless of ability, can take part. On-site buddies guide them through the events, lending words of encouragement and a helping hand if needed.

“We want everyone to be able to participate in some way,” Anastopoulous said before the games. “We have a hockey stick that we can use to help with a plastic bowling ball or with a soccer ball. We have an adaptive basketball hoop that’s used. Every game allows people to make that choice if they want to participate or not.”

For families and athletes, the games present an opportunity to socialize and revel in each other’s accomplishments.

Marian McQuaid, of Dedham, watched from the sidelines as her daughter Mary, 35, competed in a walking race along the track. Mary beamed as she crossed the finish line — it’s a day she looked forward to for months, her mother said.

At the Charles River Center, which she’s attended for the past 13 years, Mary participates in mostly indoor programs. Ellie Bloom offers a chance for her to be outside with her peers and take pride in her abilities, McQuaid said.

“She understands what Olympics are, and so she feels like she’s being a super athlete by just doing this,” Mary McQuaid said. “They’re easy games. They’re easy things that most children or young adults would just kind of blow off, but it’s an Olympic event, so now it’s something special.”

Under a clear blue sky — a marked change from last year’s torrential rain — athletes cycled through the games with their cohorts, taking sensory breaks with bubbles and kinetic sand.

In attendance was the family of Ellie Bloom, who served as a long-time volunteer of the Charles River Center. In her opening remarks, President and CEO Anne-Marie Bajwa said Bloom “was instrumental in making very meaningful programs, not only for her daughter, but for so many others.”

“To all our volunteers, families, friends and Charles River staff who are here today, your presence and enthusiasm always makes this event so special,” Bajwa said. “So cheer loudly and have some fun.”

Participant Jenny Dill cited the Special Olympics oath: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

Spirits soared as the athletes threw footballs, traversed an obstacle course, and tossed bean bags, receiving cheers and high-fives throughout. More than 70 volunteers signed up for the games, Anastopoulous said.

Volunteer Ava Sarram, a sophomore at Harvard University from South Natick, led participants to each activity with enthusiasm. Sarram, who first volunteered with Ellie Bloom last year, said she “always had a special place in my heart for people with developmental disabilities and intellectual ones,” prompting her to sign up. The energy on game day is high, she said.

“It’s so empowering for this community to be able to be involved in an event like this,” she said. “It brings a lot of spirit. It brings a lot of joy. And I think it means a lot.”

Julian Borrelli, an eighth grader from Dover, said he enjoyed bowling with his group and exploring different games.

“It’s fine, plenty of activities,” he said during a water break, “and it’s been good.”

After the festivities, each athlete received a medal — a signifier for their involvement and commitment to the games.

In 2021, when the games returned following the pandemic, about 100 athletes joined, Anastopoulous said. In the years since, she’s been happy to see participation increase.

For her, the best part is seeing the afterglow of a successful day.

“On Monday, we’ll see people wearing their shirts. It’s huge to have the t-shirt and get the medal,” she said. “It’s enjoyable seeing everyone cheer each other on.”

Kristin Der, of Wellesley, followed her seven-year-old Reagan around DeFazio Field on game day. For Reagan, who has autism and some physical disabilities, the games help her to showcase her athleticism and see other people of diverse ages and abilities, her mom said.

“It gives her a lot of confidence,” Kristen Der said as Reagan participated in a race. “Look at her go.”