May 13, 2022

 

Those words make up the Special Olympics athlete’s oath. 

 

It is said before each game, but to see it in practice through the smiles on the faces of athletes as they cross the finish line gives those two sentences so much more meaning. 

 

Brave attempts were in abundance Friday when dozens of Lorain City Schools athletes and student volunteers traveled to Ely Stadium for the 40^th anniversary of the Lorain County Special Olympics. They competed against students from across Lorain County in events from the long jump to the softball toss and the 25-yard dash. 

 

It was a beautiful day with blue skies, sunshine, and many happy athletes.

 

“I like to just run and do softball,” said Destiny Kuttler, a 10^th-grader.

 

Destiny’s volunteer buddy Jada McCall said the day was a good experience.

 

“It allows me to meet new people, and it’s a lot of fun,” she said.  

 

Ninth-grader Angel Cruz said Special Olympics gives him a chance to “do sports.” 

 

Cruz’s volunteer buddy Rafiel Hagler, an 11-th grader, said Special Olympics is where he can watch everyone participate regardless of ability. 

 

“Everyone here is just running around and being happy,” he said when asked how he felt about the day. 

 

Sophomore Uniah Pamplin said it meant a lot to her to be a part of the Special Olympics as a buddy to athlete Tatum Vroman.

 

“I just like being out with other kids,” she said. 

We congratulate all of the athletes who participated in this year's games and thank the student volunteers who helped to make the day special.