Wednesday, March 12, was Adaptive Physical Education teacher Sami Melendez’s favorite day. She did not perceive anyone as a winner and saw a transformation. 

“I saw the changes in students becoming strong leaders and having a good mindset from the start of the semester up to now,” Melendez said.

The LIFE Triathlon event ran from 7:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., including swimming, running, and biking. Leaders completed five minutes of self-exercise before assisting their buddies. At the end of the event, the leaders presented certificates to their buddies, and LIFE students received leader certificates and medals.

“My favorite part of the event was using Dare 2 Tri bikes,” Physical Education Adaptive Leader Joaquin Cooke ‘27 said.

Cooke’s triathlon experience began with running, swimming, and cycling. During swimming, he swam with his buddy for 10 minutes, aiming to complete as many laps as possible.

“There were no rules except you should not make your buddy upset,” Cooke said. 

Cooke was happy the event took place on an early dismissal day because he believed it was the perfect amount of time, and the PE Adaptive Leaders did not have to go to class. Furthermore, he found working with his buddy not challenging as his buddy was able to do all of the courses and seemed to have fun. 

However, PE Adaptive Leader Sophia Dalgety ‘27 said she had to accommodate her buddy. She has been working with her buddy all semester and knows she is shy, dislikes loud noises, and prefers to avoid new interactions. During the event, Dalgety helped her buddy by engaging in breathing exercises and walking regularly. When it came to swimming, Dalgety and her buddy did not swim but instead cheered on others, which also helped her be more positive. 

“You have to be empathic and learn to read people’s emotions,” Dalgety said.

PE Adaptive Leader collaborated with Dare 2 Tri, a non-profit that provided bikes and tips to the Adaptive Leaders, Dan Tun, Co-founder, Program Director, and coach, said. The non-profit organization has been running for over 10 years, and the idea began with two friends: Keri Serota, Co-founder, Executive Director, and coach, and Melissa Stockwell, a Co-founder, athlete, and veteran.

Tun enjoyed playing team sports when he was young and only started doing triathlons and running during college. He majored in business in college and then taught math at a middle school for four years. Additionally, Tun volunteered at the Chicago Park District, where he became a coach and discovered a passion for adaptive sports.

“Try as many things in life and be flexible,” Tun said.

Dare 2 Tri typically does not volunteer at schools; instead, the organization focuses on camps, provides volunteer opportunities, and offers bike rentals, Tun said. However, Tun supports LT if requested, as he knows PE Adaptive teacher Cassie Niego, who had volunteered for Dare 2 Tri. Their mission is to promote adaptive sports.