Grizzly Games is a day of field games that is put on by Los Osos High School’s Best Buddies. It invites Special Education programs from eight different high schools across the district to participate in various sports and games. ASB, Grizzly Achievement, and Best Buddies all help to make this event possible by volunteering to be captains, servers, or referees.
This event fosters inclusion, friendships, and a sense of community within the school.
2024 was the 10th anniversary of the Grizzly Games, making the event extra special.
The Best Buddies program is headed by advisor Ms. Rademaker and Senior, Noemie Janne d’Othee, who is the president.
The day starts with members of ASB, Grizzly Achievement (GA), and Best Buddies signing in at the volunteer table and decorating the field.
The buses started to arrive around 9:00. All of the volunteers lined up to cheer them on and welcome them to LOHS.
The event was emceed by Mr. Sprague from the district.
The students were split into their color groups at the opening ceremony.

There were ten teams headed by two or three members of ASB or GA. The groups competed against each other in five games.
These included obstacles, soccer, dodgeball, kickball, and relays.
Grizzly Games is an important way for kids with special needs to enjoy a day of fun.
“I think Grizzly Games is important because I believe that it is an engaging and fun activity for students with disabilities to connect with others and enjoy fun in the sun! My favorite part of the day was seeing the students play the different activities and cheer them on as well as getting to know them and becoming friends with such cool kids!” said Freshman Aurora Gonzalez-Salgado, who is in GA.

An ASB member also expressed the importance of the games.
Senior Seanbiron Johnson said, “I realize how important it is for these scholar athletes to be able to compete in sports just like everyone else, which is why I wanted to participate and volunteer. Leading my team with my freshmen [from ASB] was extremely fun and I’d do it again with them!”
Senior Noemie Janne d’Othee is the president of Best Buddies.
“I chose to be the President [of] Best Buddies because ever since I learned about it my sophomore year and joined the club, I fell in love with it and its members. I am passionate about promoting the inclusion of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and being the president allows me to actively contribute to this cause. One aspect of Best Buddies that I particularly enjoy is our monthly bonders. These events provide us with the opportunity to plan activities that allow us to connect outside of campus and on a more personal level. It’s heartwarming to see the bonds that form and the joy it brings to everyone involved,” she said.
Thank you Best Buddies for putting on such an amazing event for the special needs students in our district!

This story was originally published on The Grizzly Gazette on May 12, 2024.