Special Day

Sunday our team had the chance to work the Special Olympics Basketball event.  We were responsible for the skills competition just like last year.  In a two hour time span, it is so easy to get attracted, engrossed, and involved with each of the athletes that come to the 3-different stations of competition, target passing, spot shooting, and dribbling.  Many we remembered from last year, but there were a few new athletes along with a couple new organizations (or Areas as they call them).  We had the chance to jump for joy when someone made a basket, cheer loud when someone hit the target, or high-five someone who made the trip down and back dribbling the ball--skills we do well with relative ease and take for granted.  Yet, we all got excited when one of these athletes completed the task, perhaps only one time.  And, of course, the sheer excitement, cheering, or noise each of them elicited indicated they were proud of themselves too.  They practice their skills in order to compete in this event. The challenge for us was using the language that they know to edge them on to accomplish the skill. Our team did a great job.  I get all of the compliments for the team and definitely memories were made for a lifetime for each of them.