Let Me Win, But If I Cannot Win, Let Me Be Brave In the Attempt

My stepdaughter G. has become more and more involved in Special Olympics as the years have gone by. She started soccer at a very young age and has forayed into basketball, cheerleading, softball, and now track & field.

After having multiple hip surgeries, we weren't sure what her running abilities would be, but she's in the game, just like everyone else.

At practice, she does the 100m dash, turbo jav (a less dangerous version of the javelin throw), and the softball toss (a lighter version of the shotput.)

Last Sunday she went to a regional qualifier with her team and competed in the 100m dash and the softball toss.

She took the silver in both events. We couldn't be prouder of her.

Here she is with her silver from the softball toss (unfortunately, we arrived a bit too late to see her actually compete in the event):

In between events, here are (l to r): M., coach, K., athlete, and K., coach. (daughter, daughter, father!)

B. getting ready to do the standing long jump.

The gang! L to R: D., special partner, G., B., & E., special athletes.

Here are John & I, ready to cheer the team on!

G. with her "game face" getting ready to run the 100m dash.

And here she is running her way to the silver!

She did it!