Well we just returned from a magnificent trip down to Springfield to volunteer for the Special Olympics track meet. We took down 16 athletes and we helped with the running of the meet. We started out by escorting the athletes from the end of the race to the awards area. We then helped with the running of the relay events in the afternoon. Today we had some kids help with the standing long jump, softball throw, and timing of some more races.
I didn't really know what to expect and neither did our athletes, but we sure got our hearts full of love. I thought the experience was life changing. We meet so many wonderful athletes and their amazing smiles and stories. I think we each found a person that melted our hearts. For me it was probably Tommy or Justin. Tommy is an older gentleman that was running when we arrived and continued for another 6 miles. When he was done he was just a big bundle of joy. We talked and talked with him the entire day. Hopefully he will get to continue his journey to Nationals in Nebraska. As for Justin, he was a 19 year old that was blind, but he was the nicest kids you would ever want to meet. He ran the 50 meter run with a helper (and won), did the standing long jump and the softball toss. All that time I was in complete amazement. There were so many athletes that you couldn't help but give a high five and a big hug. I remember one athletes, unfortunately forgot his name but after his race I gave him a big high five and he came over and gave me the biggest hug. I am tearing up just thinking about the time we had there. Hopefully some of our athletes learned a thing or two about life and love. I know I sure did. We had such a wonderful time. I would like to thank all of the kids that went, and a huge thanks to Lana Dobson for being a chaperon. Hopefully we will get to do this for many years to come. Here is a list of athletes I would like to thank for coming and helping.
Kyle Peek, Ben Rice, Bradley Skinner, Colby Anderson, Zach Bryant, Billy Hendricks, Allie Raithel, Becca Raithel, Jessica Schrimpf, Kendra Jobe, Chrissy Distler, Kaitlyn Taube, Izzy Michitch, Jessica Potts, Kyrsten Dobson, & Stephanie Baker.
Thanks
Coach Love
1 comment:
I am blessed to have been included. I have never experienced something so rewarding and heartfelt. We must all be thankful for what we have because these kids have disabilities that may hold them back in life but by the enthusiasm and willingness to keep going mean anything can be accomplished if you believe in yourself and are thankful for what you have. Lana Dobson
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