Teen athletes enjoy a sports day with local police

WAYNE COUNTY, Ohio (WJW) — From bowling to wheelchair basketball, volleyball and even a javelin throwing competition, Wayne County law enforcement officers participated in a unique sports day for students with disabilities.

“We've always held events for the FOP for officers and kids, and this is kind of an evolution of that,” said Cresson Police Chief Bryon Methue, who is also president of the Wayne County FOP. ” he said.

“These students didn't have the kind of positive interactions that most people would describe as regular students,” said high school senior and student volunteer Isabelle Messiux.

The event is the brainchild of Dennis Followay, a Norwegian high school intervention expert, and brings together more than 60 students from several area high schools for an athletic event that would traditionally be on the sidelines.

But this day is different.

“For these kids, it’s very important. Many of them are not able to participate in extracurricular activities, so this day is a special day for them just to have fun and interact with other students in the county.” It’s a great day,” Followay said.

With the help of student volunteers, some participated in relay races and Nerf gun target shooting.

17-year-old Tristan Ponting won first place in basketball, but what is his true love? “I do cross country and track and field because I have a coach who helps me and guides me.'' Because the team also helps me,” Ponting said.

https://fox8.com/news/teen-athletes-enjoy-field-day-with-local-law-enforcement/ Teen athletes enjoy a sports day with local police