oh...My...GOD! I'm going to the Olympics!

[Rose_Greenthumb]

Congratulations!

I really hope you get to go, China is an absolutely amazing place. I spent about 10 days out there a couple of years ago and it is honestly one of the most incredible experiences I've ever had. If you want to know anything about the place or want to see my photos or anything then I'd be only to happy to natter away!

Fingers crossed you can go.

 

[golfgal]

That is SOOOOO COOL!!! I had a student that competed in the Para-Olympics, he had a leg amputated due to cancer. He had the most amazing time.


DS's band is going to China in April, Shanghai is one of the places they are visiting. I am hoping to go if they have a parents shadow trip.

If I were you I would start training someone now to take over your farm duties. There has to be SOMEONE that can do that. You can't pass this up. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity!!!!

 

[golfgal]

Another thought on the money you are "losing". Your trip/stay would cost more then that so in a way you are making money by going, right????

Having "Olympic coach" on your credentials will bring in a LOT more then $1800. You can make up that money by getting a very part time job someplace between now and then can't you???? How much vacation time does your DH have? Can he take 3 weeks of 1/2 days while you are gone to cover some of the farm duties?

 

[BriarfoxinWA]

What about doing some kind of small schooling shows or fund raisers to help cover the revenue you'll lose by being gone?

Congrats - I think that's awesome that you have the opportunity!

 

[LJC1861]

Can you do any kind of a fund raising campaign? I know I would be happy to make a donation to help you make this life changing trip.

Linda

 

[Jeanny]

WOW, that is wicked cool!!! good luck!!

 

[Jennasis]

Awww you guys are so cool! I mentioned the financial impact of me going away to the coordinator today and she and I were kind of on the same page (like you guys). A fundraiser may be in the works (we have a charity fundraiser show already scheduled for September. The trip is paid for by Special Olympics for coaches and athletes, so the only cost incurred by me would be the loss of income and the cost of hiring a part-time employee for those 3 weeks (if needed). Getting a part-time job isn't an option but yard sales and bake sales and such may be the answer.

Suddenly everything seems to be happening so quickly! I don't even have a passport!

 

[debster812]

Suddenly everything seems to be happening so quickly! I don't even have a passport!

You have PLENTY of time to get a passport, but if you think there's a better than 50% chance you'll be able to swing the trip, I would get the ball rolling on your passport NOW. That way, it's done, you have it in hand, and it's one less last minute detail to worry about.

What a COOL opportunity, I really hope you're able to pull this off. Talk about a once in a lifetime chance.

 

[reesa roo]

Wow! This is really exciting for you and your rider. DD16 volunteers at a Therapuetic Riding Center as a horse handler for riding lessons and will be volunteering at our local Special Olympics equestrian events. She is planning to go to college next year to train to be a riding instructor. It is really inspirational to see the excitement of the disabled riders at their lessons and shows. They love the horses and love riding just as much as DD and the riders in her class who don't have disabilities.
I would concur with the idea of fund raising for the trip. My cousin was in the winter olympics in Italy this year and there were many fund raising events for her in her home town.
Congratulations! Enjoy... all the details will work themselves out.

 

[LuvN~Travel]

I am still reeling from this news. I coach the Special Olympic Equestrian Team for my county here in NC (equestrian...that's horse-back riding FYI). My team just returned Sunday night from the State championships armed with the knowledge that the US Special Olympic Team would be selecting 2 athletes (one male and one female) from the NC gold medalists to represent the US in Shanghai, China at the World games in 2007. Yesterday I found out that the female slot would be awarded to an athlete from our area...today it turns out that the slot was awarded to MY STUDENT!!! I am floored! She is so awesome and is a terrific girl. I was weeping like a baby when I got the phone call. The young lady is 17 and was born with severe auditory problems which renders her legally deaf, and she is developmentally delayed (she functions around a 4th grade level). It couldn't have happened to a nicer girl.

Now here is the kicker...they want me to go to China and coach the team! Well just knock me over with a feather!!! The team will consist of my athlete, another young man from the western part of NC and two other athletes from elsewhere in the country. We will be in Shanghai for 3 weeks next October from opening ceremonies to closing ceremonies along with the athletes from all the other events (aquatics, track and field etc...). DH and I really have to sit down and figure out if I can be away that long (I am pretty much the one who runs our horse farm on a day to day basis). It's an amazing opportunity and I am so honored to be considered (PLUS I've never travelled abroad). The athletes parents are not allowed to travel with the US delegation (they can go an watch, but are not permitted to have access to the athletes) so having me there as the coahc will definitely help my student out. Actually a huge part of the decision to send her is that she is truly an independant spirit who doesn't need the assistance of her parents.

So OH MY GOD you guys! This may be the most exciting thing ever! I'll slap this right in the scrap book next to the time I was nominated for an Emmy...but it is way more fulfilling. I really hope I can go, but if for some reason I can't, I asm SO UNBELIEVABLY proud of my athlete for making the team!

That's so cool! (and what you do by coaching them is even more cool imho)
Kim

 

[ryanmilla]

First off a big congrats to you and your athlete! What an honor it must be for you guys.

Secondly, you HAVE to go. I was fortunate enough to go the the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as a spectator. My father was organizing a big corporate thing for his company and his family was able to enjoy the perks, so we were fortunate enough to get a lot of VIP treatment, but nonething like the athletes and the coaches get. The feeling of just being there and seeing all of the events was second to none (might even have to say, better than WDW the first time. shhhhhhhh). And I was only a spectator! I can only imagine the feeling as an athlete or coach. Therefore, no matter what, you HAVE to go. That way all of us fellow DISers can live the Olympic dream vicariously through you.

But again, most importantly, congratulations on this honor.

 

[Toby'sFriend]

sounds like the opportunity of a lifetime to me, it would be such a shame to have to miss it.

I HAVE to think that you can fundraise your way through this. I really hope it works out for you.

 

[luvmyboys]

Congrats, and don't worry about the financing. These things have a way of working out.

You and your student will go, have a wonderful time, and come home with memories to last a lifetime! And maybe a medal too!!

 

[Pdowning98]

Congrats! What an amazing experience this will be. Good luck to you and your students!

 

[ellyn2000]

Congratulations!!! I've attended Special Olympics in our county and I'm amazed at the spirit of the participants. I hope it's the experience of a lifetime for you both.

 

[ead79]

That is so cool! What an honor for you and your student. It sounds like there might very well be some ways you can work around the loss of income and the farm duties. I'll bet that your students/boarders would be more than willing to help out those three weeks. Plus, I'm sure there are some things you could sell on eBay around your house for some additional income. Congratulations!

 

[dvcfamily41801]

Wonderful!!! Congratulations and good luck!