It’s one thing to love a sport, but it is another to share that love with the broader community. Daniel Hand High School (DHHS) junior Ashlinn Virgulto has taken her love of track and field and built a buddy track program, “Tiger Tracks,” pairing volunteers with special needs kids grades K to 6, to share the sport with those who might not have as many athletic opportunities.

Virgulto began working on the program a year ago. In the past few months she has reached out to the town and secured fields for use and sponsors such as Rotary and the Exchange Club. She said she was inspired to put this program together after learning about the Deep River Buddy Track Program and after seeing the lack of opportunities to engage in sports offered to special needs students.

“I wanted to give everyone the opportunity to be able to do something different,” she said. “I know Madison has a few programs like this such as Buddy Baseball, but I just wanted to give another opportunity to broaden the options.”

Offering the program to students grade K-6 also fills an opportunity age gap. Districts in the area often have unified sport programs, but those programs are mainly offered at the upper middle- or high school level. Virgulto said she wanted to give younger kids a chance to get involved.

The actual program will last three days—the first two days are for practice and instruction and the last day will be a non-competitive track meet for participants. Virgulto said buddies and coaches will help with instruction and demonstration and she said the last day will be similar to a traditional track meet with events like the 4x100 relay and the long jump.

For the first year, Virgulto said she would like to have about 20 kids participate but would like to have a two-to-one ratio of volunteers to athletes. If the program is successful, she said she hopes to see it continue even after she graduates.

“I would do it again next year and I also have younger siblings so hopefully they can carry it on,” she said.

The “Tiger Tracks” program is Wednesdays, May 17, 24, and 31 at the DHHS track. The program is free and individuals who have questions or are interested can contact Ashlinn Virgulto at 203-980-0286 or agvirgulto@gmail.com. Participants should register by Friday, May 5. Late registration is accepted, but participants are not guaranteed a T-shirt.