Whoo-hoo! Special Olympics!

[minkydog]

Today was the Georgia Special Olympics state games. My DS14, Christian, has been practicing diligently every week since February swimming laps at the Olympic pool. They had a great turn-out and all the parents & friends cheered. Everybody who swims gets a medal or a ribbon. Christian scored 3rd place in the 10-meter and 5th place in the 25-meter. He probably would have done better than that except he was so distracted by the flags and the cheering--he kept turning around to go the other way.

Oh well, they all got to stand on the podium and receive their various medals while the Olympic anthem played. A great time was had by all.

The Special Olympic motto:
"Let me win, and if I cannot win let me be brave in the attempt." Awesome!

 

[clori]

that is wonderful! I used to be a special olympics volunteer in NH. My sister works for an adult program and I helped her before I moved. It was great seeing all the people get excited and all the clapping etc. One of the saddest experiences of my life was seeing a mother yell at her kid for coming in second at a special olympics event. Fortunatey most people enjoy the festivities win or lose.

 

[minkydog]

Awww, that's terrible. I would never yell at Christian, even though he was swimming the wrong way at times. He was just having a blast--it took 4 people to get him out of the pool He wanted to play more!

 

[Shmily1]

Congratulations!!!

I know you were proud of him!! DD18 volunteered every year to help with the local SO and loved interacting with the children. This year was a little more difficult for her since it was 90 degrees and she's very round pregnant! She still did it and loved it but was very thirsty and hungry when it was over!!

 

[GSDRescuer]

CONGRATULATIONS, CHRISTIAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[KirstenB]

That's terrific!! I've always respected kids who would choose swimming as their sport!! Lots of hard work and effort. Go Christian!!

 

[java]

Congratulations Christian!

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

That is awesome! Congratulations Christian!!!

 

[Jennasis]

Yay Christian! I'm a coach for the Special Olympics as well (equestrian). Our State Games will be held in July. Three days of fun and excitement...I and a weepy mess for a good chunk of it. I love my athletes!

 

[LJC1861]

Congratulations Christian!!!

Special Olympics is a wonderful organization and I love attending Special Olympic events.

I was also a coach for many years....Figure Skating. I had the wonderful opportunity to go to the International games when they were held in Lake Tahoe. It was amazing to see so many athletes from all over the world.

I am inspired by how hard the athletes work. They truly deserve all the cheers and well wishes that they receive.

My group home residents all participate in the track and field events, and I too am a weepy mess watching them compete.

Linda

 

[ead79]

Very cool! Way to go, Christian!