It’s a sunny day and the athletes are all lined up in lanes one through eight, getting ready to run the 50-yard race, watching the starter full of anticipation for when he’s about to blow the gun. The loud gun fires and off they go. The gold medal is waiting for the top three winners at the finish line, so they give their all to get to the end first.
It takes training for these athletes to get to competition. The kids learn every step and detail to get them where they want to be. The more teamwork the team carries, their success is almost guaranteed. They become the best version of themselves and they continue to show more progress each meet.
“The athletes practice their events during the school day,” adapted PE coach Tyler Farrow said. “I enjoy seeing the progress that the athletes make from year to year. Especially the older ones that have been doing this for four years now. I love seeing them get excited to compete and being successful. I like how they encourage and cheer each other on.”
The competition is high, but so are their chances of winning. When they try their best, they get the outcomes they were searching for. With all of the practice and hours they put into it, their work finally earns them their new accessory – a medal.
“I ran the 50 meter run, and I competed in the softball throw,” senior Preston Seay said. “I won first place medals for both events. When that gun goes off, I just run as fast as I can. I never get nervous. I focus on the race. I look up, look straight and I am ready to go. My friend JJ and I have been training together all of high school. We help each other. I try to motivate him and he does that for me. We have more meets coming up and my goal is to win all the medals I can.”
The Special Olympics gives the athletes opportunities to exercise, have fun and create long lasting memories. The softball throw is a fan favorite event from the Kool Kats. It gives them a chance to use all of their strength to reach for the furthest goal.
“I competed in the softball throw and the running,” senior Juan Lopez said. “The softball throw is my favorite event because I get to throw it as far as I can, and I won a medal for that event. I like the Special Olympics because I love running and being outside.”
Each athlete motivates one another, bringing a true friendship into their sport.
“This is my first year in the Special Olympics,” sophomore Tanner Hicks said. “My events were throwing a softball and the 50-yard race. I won two medals. The best part of the day was going to eat after the race and associating with my friends who came to support me.”
In every sport, hard work is necessary for success. The students involved in these games are not afraid dedicating time to their sport.
“There are some awesome athletes that compete for the Kool Kats” Farrow said. “I want people to know that our Kool Kat athletes work hard and that through the Special Olympics, everyone has the chance to be successful.”
Since 1968 the Special Olympics have provided opportunities for every person to have a special moment.
“The Special Olympics is for kids just like me,” Hicks said. “I loved the day even though the starting pistol scared me.”
