Central Elgin Collegiate Institute brought the school community together on Friday for its first-ever Best Buddies Hoop It Up event — a high-energy celebration of inclusion, teamwork, and school spirit.
Students from across all grades filled the gym to cheer on peers in a free-throw competition that featured the Best Buddies and individual divisions for junior boys, junior girls, senior boys, and senior girls.
The St. Thomas Police Service and St. Thomas Fire Department also joined in the fun, going head-to-head in a tightly contested free-throw showdown that ended with police edging out fire 26–25. Even the school’s two mascots faced off, setting the tone for a spirited morning.
Prizes were awarded across all categories, but organizers say the real win was seeing the developmental education students fully included in an event embraced by the entire school.
Janay Gillard, president of CECI’s Best Buddies chapter, spoke with us about what the day meant for the club and the student body.
Gillard, who joined Best Buddies after learning more about it, says the experience has become one of the most meaningful parts of her school life.
Gillard encourages any student considering Best Buddies to take the leap.
Friday’s event marks another milestone in the fast-growing club, which has expanded from just five students to more than 35 in two years.
For more information on Best Buddies Canada, click here.
Written by: Kennedy Freeman
