BUENA PARK – Buena Park Junior High School eight-grader Gabrielle Barrios loves participating in the Faley Special Games, because it allows her to showcase her baseball skills and “cut a rug” on the event’s dance floor.

Buena Park School District sent about 80 students to participate in the 34th annual Faley Special Games at California State University, Fullerton on May 4. The annual event was created to give special education students a day of sports, food, awards and entertainment.

This year’s games hosted more than 5,500 participants and volunteers from more than 90 Orange County schools.

“I am very impressed with the sports offerings they have at the Faley Games,” said Maribel Barrios, Gabrielle’s mother. “We’ve been to this event eight times and she’s loved it every time.”

Buena Park Junior High School special education teacher Nick Reuter said participating in the games teaches important social skills to students and allows them to have a fun-filled day with friends.

PHOTO:

050818_BUENAPARK_FALEY1: Buena Park Junior High eighth-grader Gabrielle Barrios (right) dances with her mother Maribel during the 34th annual Faley Special Games at California State University, Fullerton.