On May 2nd, 2024, the Lynn Rotary and the Reading Cooperative Bank hosted 468 Special Needs students for the 54th annual Special Games. Virtually all the Lynn students in Special Needs classrooms, if they are able, participate in this activity.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. Prior to the official start, the students passed through a “Lane of Honor” consisting of Rotarians, Reading Cooperative Bank volunteers, Police, dignitaries, School Officials, Firemen and others. Ms. Kerry Ranieri, VP Community Banking & Development Officer, Reading Cooperative Bank started the games with a shout out of “Let the games begin.”
It speaks to the involvement of the leaders of Lynn who attended the Games, including Mayor Jared Nicholson; Deputy School Superintendent, Debra Ruggiero, Fire Chief Dan Sullivan; Police Chief Chris Reddy; State Representative Brendan Crighton; and numerous City Council members and School Committee members.
The Games provide great fun for the students at Manning Bowl. During the games a record 468 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. After and during the games, members of the Lynn Fire Department cooked burgers and hot dogs for the students and volunteers.
Picture above are Lynn Rotary Secretary Steve Upton and RCB VP Kerry Ranieri and below students participating in basketball at the Special Games.