Every year in March, the pool at GPS is filled with swimmers, grinning from ear to ear, ready to compete in the District 4 Special Olympics. It is an exciting time for each participant involved. The athletes enter the doors anxious to get down to the pool deck. Their classmates enter with them, carrying colorful shakers and signs, to show their support. Once everyone has their swimsuit, caps and goggles on, the races begin! For me, it is an overwhelmingly wonderful event to watch. Being a former athlete, a coach and a physical educator, it delights me to see the participating athletes so excited about their event. As Laik's mom, it gives much hope that he will one day be participating in an event! If you have never been to a Special Olympics event, find one and attend or volunteer...you will enjoy it!
Now, who is this handsome guy on the screen? He is the one and only Jason Wade Rogers a.k.a. District 4 Special Olympics Athlete of the Year! Jason is a stud athlete! He can snowski, he plays basketball, he golfs, he is a bowler, he participates in track & field, and he swims! No wonder he was the Athlete of the Year! The boy does it all! Today, his time in the 50m Freestyle was 44:22, earning him 1st place....I'd be intimidated to get in the lane beside him!
Jason attends East Hamilton, one of Chattanooga's local high schools. He is the football manager, the basketball manager, and he helps with the school play. Just this evening, he had a job interview for a summer position at Camp Lookout. Jason is a man on the move looking for the next adventure. I like that in a guy!
Being just a little over 20 months into our special life with Laik, young men like Jason make me smile. Also, young men like him make me have tears of joy. As a result of being exposed to many activities of a typically normal lifestyle, Jason has thrived. Granted, I do not know them well, but just through observation over the years, Jason's family supports him in everything! (Jason's sister, Jessica GPS '07, is one of my former students) As I was talking with Jason and his mother, Caroline, she received a text from his sister that stated, "Way to go, Little Fish!" He immediately grinned and told me that was his nickname! (Tears, joyful, happy tears!!!!)
Jason and his mother checking out the line-up for the rest of the events. I left the pool deck with emotions from every side of the spectrum. The feeling of honor was the heaviest. I was honored to share time with Jason and his mother. I have said many times before, the mothers that have gone through this journey ahead of me are my strength to keep my head up and be on the lookout for what the future holds with Laik. I want to stand by my son and look-up the next event. And I want to look around in the stands and see the support of family and friends, classmates and teachers, and volunteers!
The next Chattanooga Special Olympics event is the track & field meet....I added my name to the Volunteer list. Join me if you can and experience something that is far beyond special, it is inspirational! It will be a gratifying experience that you will not soon forget!
Jason and his mother checking out the line-up for the rest of the events. I left the pool deck with emotions from every side of the spectrum. The feeling of honor was the heaviest. I was honored to share time with Jason and his mother. I have said many times before, the mothers that have gone through this journey ahead of me are my strength to keep my head up and be on the lookout for what the future holds with Laik. I want to stand by my son and look-up the next event. And I want to look around in the stands and see the support of family and friends, classmates and teachers, and volunteers! 
1 comment:
Thank you, Kim! What a great day we had with all of the athletes from Area 4. Judy Rogers is the driving force behind this and all the area events. Coaches like Coach B and Megan who volunteer the little free time they have to coach our athletes and the countless volunteers without whom these events would not be possible make days like this so special for all involved. The Special Olympics moto says: "Let me win, but if I cannot win; let me be brave in the attempt" These athletes have a wonderful time each time they compete... such an inspiration! Enjoyed cathcing up with you today and reading your blog tonight. As a mom, I share many of your emotions. Thank you for sharing.
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