Now Isn't That Special (Olympics)

Last Saturday the girls participated in the Area Special Olympic Track and Field Games. They have been "practicing" with their team (Kamalii Koa) for about 6 weeks - on Saturdays. Usually Jacob or Susan will take them. I say "practicing" with "" because Michelle mostly wants to walk or sit while Hannah doesn't mind running - she just goes in whatever direction she wants. Oh - and there are only like 2 other kids on the team - both teenagers.

Their coach is a very nice young lady named Kat (she's an engineer!) and Mark (I think he is an area support staff) assists. We are in awe of these volunteers - they are there every Saturday rain or shine! I am sure the Lord blesses them for their service. They are really a blessing to us.

Additionally, at the Games themselves there are hundreds of volunteers who help cheer, escort, coach the Olympians. The local Lions Club provides a free lunch for everyone too.

Anyway the Area Games were at Schofield so we had to leave by 8:15 to make the Opening Ceremonies. The girls marched in like Olympic athletes - waving pompoms.

They both participated in the 50 meter run and soft ball throw. Hannah did the running long jump and Michelle did the standing broad jump.

Michelle walked away with 2 first place blue ribbons and 1 2nd place and Hannah had 1 first place, 1 second and 1 fifth place. (If you are unfamiliar with Special Olympics - everyone is a winner...)

We were surprised that Michelle beat Hannah in the 50 since Michelle hates to run - but evidently, if she has a crowd cheering her on she does just fine! They were both smiling at the grandstand and each other as they ran!

I only got to take pictures of one of the times they went up to the winners stand - my camera died after that! But here's the proof!

Notice the close up below of Hannah's shoe. When we arrived at Schofield I noticed that she was wearing her oldest, most ripped up pair of shoes! I noticed cause her sock was sticking out about 1 inch at the toe. We saw a Games official using duct tape to mark off the finish line. Gene asked him if we could have a piece of tape for a "Special Olympian with a ripped shoe." It held well - she took the socks off so they wouldn't stick to the tape. We threw the shoes away (finally!) when we got home.

The State Games are next month...looking forward to it! Hannah will have new shoes by that time and we probably should get them special t-shirts too.

If you ever want to have a lot of fun while serving someone - volunteer for Special Olympics!