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| Hundreds of athletes ! |
As many of you know, my son was diagnosed a few years ago with autism. He's a special kid to me. He struggles with communicating, he struggles with comprehension...he does very well in athletics. He's is funny, humorous, and sometimes a little trying on my patience...that's OK though – all kids have that effect on parents.
Today I had the pleasure of seeing my son compete in the Special Olympics. I had never seen an event like this. This was different, this was fun. You see, I was very competitive in every sport I participated in. I had a goal, to win. I would train, I would focus, I would get in the zone...then my goal was to deliver – most times I did. And when I didn't, I felt bad. I felt as if I failed both myself and my team members. Today, watching my son – I was so proud.
When we got to the track, there were several hundred athletes, and several hundred helpers. The goal was to compete...and to have fun. I looked around, and tears came to my eyes. Fortunately for me I had my sun glasses on. I didn't want to be a spectacle. As I looked around I saw children hugging, cheering each other on, and a ton of smiling faces....they were actually having fun.
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| My son and his helper for the day. |
I looked all over for my son...hundreds of people walking around and I had to find my son. He was going to compete in a few minutes and I didn't want to miss it. Then I saw him, walking with his helper about 75 meters away. I walked his way and waved, then he saw me. The joy I had as he ran over to give me a hug - `Daddy, daddy, you came to see me!` he shouted. He gave me a hug and then ran back to his helper, he had to get ready for the softball throw.
I positioned myself at the end of the throwing area. I needed to get a nice picture of him. Finally it was his turn.
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| My son throwing |
He wound up and let the ball go – All I remember thinking was,”nice throw buddy” After about 10 minutes, it was time to announce the ribbons. My son did well - 1st place. He ran over and gave me another hug.
The thing was, I couldn't care if he got first, or finished last...he did his best. Yep, I'm proud of my son – and of all the other athletes that demonstrated sportsmanship in a way that I've never seen before. We could all learn from their example.
The thing was, I couldn't care if he got first, or finished last...he did his best. Yep, I'm proud of my son – and of all the other athletes that demonstrated sportsmanship in a way that I've never seen before. We could all learn from their example.
Tim it is the very best feeling ever to be around any Special Olympic Athlete. I always went with Kelsey-Rose and had many a wonderful experience. The best though was when I was in Thunder Bay watching her compete in the Provincial Figure Skating Games. I know the feelings that you experienced because I also had them. Way to go Issac.
ReplyDeleteTim, our Matt is involved in special olympics too, in bowling and swimming. The neatest thing for me is that although they are comeptitive, the atheletes also are rooting for one another. I had one of those "moments" at one swim meet when he had to compete in a swim race with one of his good buddies ....the race was close.....and as they reached out to touch the edge of the pool, the very next act was to turn to one another and high five the other.....they didn't even know who won yet, they just enjoyed the race. We can all learn from our special olympics athletes!
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