The full team Blue wears the medals they won at the last Special Olympic event two weeks ago in Dubuque. The athletes (and their medals) include (front, l-r) Darinnesha Baldwin (gold in 400 dash), Kassidy Lenhart (gold in 25 meter walk with me), and Shelby Holden (gold in 400 dash); (back) Carter Schlawin (silver in 100 dash), Adam Ryan (silver in the softball throw), and Raven Green (fifth in the softball throw). (submitted photo)
Special athletes succeed at NFV
By Jerry Wadian
jwadian@thefayettecountyunion.com
Whether it be North High, North Fayette, Valley, or NFV, there has been a steady parade of quality athletes representing the school. However there has been a group of athletes who have racked up a distinctive record in comparative quiet. The group is the NFV Special Olympics TigerHawks.
This year 12 athletes were involved following the oath said at any opening ceremony: “Let me win, but if I cannot, let me be brave in the attempt.”
The mission of Special Olympics is “to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.”
NFV has had a group of Special Olympians for over 25 years. Current sports include track, bowling, and snowshoeing. The team has been to Ames, Cedar Falls, Dubuque, Sherrill, and Waterloo. Current track activities include running, walking and the softball throw. In the past, the shot put and mini javelin have also been events NFV athletes have competed in.
Among the 12 athletes competing as NFV Special Olympic TigerHawks are six, who call themselves Team Blue. I was fortunate enough to interview five of them about their experiences. Their collective thoughts about their experiences show considerable insight and a textbook for any competitive team.
