Everyone’s a WINNER!

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I am so filled with pride, and gratitude after a very incredible weekend at the summer games.  On the global scale it was amazing to see the entire production beginning with the Opening Ceremonies, followed by two full days of sporting events, with lots of extracurricular activities for teams and families.  There were literally hundreds of volunteers who offered their help and hearts to host these summer games.  It looked effortless which is a tribute to the preparation and dedication of the amazing Special Olympics organization.  They were depended upon, and delivered, the tasks of staging, escorting, directing, supporting, congratulating, awarding, and many other important roles. 

On the local level I am touched by, and impressed by our coach, his parents, and his team of assistant coaches.  We are blessed to have these individuals in our lives as they care about our kids, and believe in encouraging and celebrating their abilities.  Many hours have been spent planning, practicing, and preparing for this event.  This weekend wasn't just a commitment of showing up at the track – it was much much more.  Each athlete was required to spend the weekend in the campus dorms with their coaches and chaperones.  For many of us it was the first time letting go of our child for an overnight away from family.  Imagine handling that?  There was alot of responsibility placed on their shoulders as they managed everything morning through night – bedtime, dressing, showering, eating, travelling, and finally, performing.  I'm certain I can speak for all the families of our team when I say we are never going to forget what our coaches have done, and what a gift it was to participate in such a memorable event. 

 

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Comments

17 responses to “Everyone’s a WINNER!”

  1. Cath S Avatar

    7th in the 50 metre dash and a silver in the softball throw? Sam – your rock! What an awesome achievement. How cool that you could all be there, cheering Sam on. Just so cool 🙂

  2. lyle baxter Avatar

    absolutely wonderful! thanks so much for sharing those touching photos with us. hooray for Sam!

  3. K Hutchinson Avatar

    What awesome photos! It looks like it was an amazing day! Way to go Sam! You ROCK!

  4. Julie Avatar

    I love these!! Everyone looks great too. Fantastic coverage..I was under the impression you wouldn’t be able to get shots because you were too far away…These are awesome.

  5. Judy N Avatar
    Judy N

    Michelle-
    Love the photos, it was great the whole family could be there.
    Way to go Sam!
    Until later,
    xoxo

  6. teri Avatar

    Looks like the weather was great! My son went to TCNJ – that campus is beautiful. This is such a win/win event for everyone involved. I loved seeing photos!

  7. Carolyn Dube Avatar

    Thank you for sharing these photos- as I read your post I just couldn’t help smiling- that proud mama stuff comes right on through the computer.

  8. Jennifer White Avatar
    Jennifer White

    I’m so proud of ALL of you.. great photos and so glad you posted about this. I can only imagine what it felt like to be part of this… I have tears in my eyes just thinking of you having tears in your eyes…LOL! BTW, I think the Special Olympics Oath should be everyone’s oath… period. Love you… xo

  9. Danee Avatar

    thank you so much for allowing us to celebrate this amazing experience with you and Sam and your family. I fee leo honored that you posted so many pictures.

  10. Pat Sayre McCoy Avatar
    Pat Sayre McCoy

    Yay Chiefs! Thanks for sharing these photos. You must be so proud of Sam. What a wonderful experience this must have been.

  11. Coral Avatar
    Coral

    What an amazing achievement – not just for Sam, but for the whole team as well as the organizers and volunteers. And I am sure a very proud day for all the families of those competing. Big hugs to you all.

  12. Carrie Avatar

    Thanks for sharing the photos! Yay for Sam and his teammates! I especially love your proud mama pic – you have a lot to be proud of!

  13. Linda Warlyn Avatar
    Linda Warlyn

    Sam…you are the MAN! Congratulations to you and to each and every one of these amazing athletes! The pictures are just fabulous…what an exciting event and Team Ward rocks! As Carrie said, you saved the best for last…I melted over the pic of you and your boy. Thanks for the generous sharing, mighty-proud-mama-michelle! oxox

  14. cindi Avatar
    cindi

    wow. this event was very cool and your photos told such a wonderful story M. Congrats to Sam and his teammates! 🙂

  15. Inge bekaert Avatar

    Hello michelle,
    I strolled through the past blogposts….
    This has indeed been a month to remember and to cherish !
    Is the grandma your moms mother? She has a blessed age and how nice she still has just a clever mind. Nice story to read about her.
    And i can bet you are a proud mom!!!! Where did the years go ? My daughter graduates from school too … Incredible how they grow so fast from a tiny kid to grown ups. Sam and Brianna look so cute in their prom clothes .. We don’t have such tradition here…had to laugh imagining you and the other mom waiting for more information on how Sam and his friends experienced such a special evening.
    and the whole story about the special olympics….. The photos tell so much and even without you telling in the end you were a proud mom, i could feel this through your photos 🙂
    Enjoy and cherish every moment, but i know you do…
    Greetings from belgium
    Inge

  16. costa rica Avatar
    costa rica

    What an awesome success – not just for Sam, but for the whole group as well as the coordinators and volunteers. And I am sure a very extremely pleased day for all the family members of those competitive. Big cuddles to you all.

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