Why I love Special Olympics

[Guest guest]

Yesterday was the big regional track event for Special Olympics. It was

COLD, wet and windy and once again we had the best time. I used to agree

that it was a segregated (thus not very good) organization until the first

time Isaac played basketball on a team. The joy on his face was priceless.

So yesterday was our 3rd track meet. Isaac won the blue ribbon for his age

group and will go onto state. This was his goal and he was very focused.

And a good sport - very encouraging to all of his friends - which he has

many of at Special Olympics (unlike school). This was Tony's first time

running for a track event, he has always been too tired in the past but by

going to school only part-time he really enjoyed practice. He is the

slowest kid in his age group (last division) because instead of running he

lifted up his shirt, showed everyone his belly and SLOWLY sauntered down the

track with his t-shirt up and belly showing. He thought it was so funny and

I guess it was. He ran faster than all the other kids in this division

during practice. I never would have expected him to do something like this

but it is one of the reasons I love Special Olympics. If Tony does it " his "

way, all the better. I want my kids to be the best they can be and Isaac is

totally able to compete with typical kids at sports at school. But he is so

happy at being with his Special Olympic friends - I think it really is like

connecting with friends who understand in a way that typical kids can never

understand. We came home just exhausted (you know how the wind can tire you

out after being in it all day) but we were all so happy.

Anyway, thank God for Eunice Kennedy Shriver.

Lori

Mom to Isaac 14 and Tony 12

[Guest guest]

. That's wonderful to hear!!

Sent from my iPhone

> Yesterday was the big regional track event for Special Olympics. It was

> COLD, wet and windy and once again we had the best time. I used to agree

> that it was a segregated (thus not very good) organization until the first

> time Isaac played basketball on a team. The joy on his face was priceless.

> So yesterday was our 3rd track meet. Isaac won the blue ribbon for his age

> group and will go onto state. This was his goal and he was very focused.

> And a good sport - very encouraging to all of his friends - which he has

> many of at Special Olympics (unlike school). This was Tony's first time

> running for a track event, he has always been too tired in the past but by

> going to school only part-time he really enjoyed practice. He is the

> slowest kid in his age group (last division) because instead of running he

> lifted up his shirt, showed everyone his belly and SLOWLY sauntered down the

> track with his t-shirt up and belly showing. He thought it was so funny and

> I guess it was. He ran faster than all the other kids in this division

> during practice. I never would have expected him to do something like this

> but it is one of the reasons I love Special Olympics. If Tony does it " his "

> way, all the better. I want my kids to be the best they can be and Isaac is

> totally able to compete with typical kids at sports at school. But he is so

> happy at being with his Special Olympic friends - I think it really is like

> connecting with friends who understand in a way that typical kids can never

> understand. We came home just exhausted (you know how the wind can tire you

> out after being in it all day) but we were all so happy.

>

> Anyway, thank God for Eunice Kennedy Shriver.

>

> Lori

>

> Mom to Isaac 14 and Tony 12

>

>