- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Mexia Today
By the People, for the People
Area 12 Special Olympics showcased competition, inclusion in Belton
Belton ISD hosted the annual track and field event, drawing student-athletes and volunteers from across the region.
Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:25pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The vibrant celebration of inclusion and athletic spirit at the Area 12 Special Olympics track and field meet in Belton brought the community together to empower student-athletes.Mexia TodayBelton ISD hosted the Area 12 Special Olympics track and field competition on Friday, bringing together student-athletes from 11 school districts for a day of races, field events, and community celebration. The event featured opening ceremonies, adapted competitions, and broad support from volunteers ranging from district staff to local first responders.
Why it matters
The Special Olympics meet is a highlight of the school year for students and staff, providing opportunities for competition, inclusion, and community engagement. Hosting the event aligns with Belton ISD's vision of empowering all learners and strengthening ties within the local community.
The details
The opening ceremonies featured the Belton High School Marine Corps JROTC and the Sparta Choir, with student leaders helping kick off the event. Superintendent Dr. Malinda Golden said the meet drew volunteers from across the district and local area, including law enforcement and fire department personnel. Elementary PE teacher Marissa Northrup said the event remained a favorite for students, many of whom had looked forward to returning after last year's competition.
- The Area 12 Special Olympics track and field meet took place on Friday, April 17, 2026.
- The opening ceremonies began at 10 a.m.
The players
Belton ISD
The school district that hosted the Area 12 Special Olympics track and field competition.
Dr. Malinda Golden
The superintendent of Belton ISD, who said hosting the meet aligned with the district's vision of creating opportunities for all students and strengthening community ties.
Marissa Northrup
An elementary physical education teacher for Belton ISD, who said the Special Olympics meet remained a highlight of the school year for students and staff.
What they’re saying
“Our vision is to empower each and every learner to pursue their dreams and enrich their communities. This event, to me, embodies each and every one, because it is about giving every child access to these incredible experiences.”
— Dr. Malinda Golden, Superintendent, Belton ISD
“It is amazing. It's one of my favorite days of the whole year.”
— Marissa Northrup, Elementary PE Teacher, Belton ISD
The takeaway
The Area 12 Special Olympics track and field meet in Belton showcased the power of community support, inclusion, and adaptive athletics to empower all students and strengthen ties within the local school district and surrounding region.