Isaac throwing shot put:
In Shot Put Isaac won a bronze and Isaiah placed 4th!
Below are the boys in the 200 Meter race. I was screaming my fool head off for them. Remember -- just last year all they participated in was a short WALK race. So I was absolutely thrilled for them to be running this year. Isaac got the gold, and Isaiah got the silver!
This picture is of Isaac winning the silver in the 400 meter race. That's a trip around the entire track! He was so disgusted with the boy in the green shirt -- if you look closely you can see. After the race Isaac said, "Mom! That boy ran too fast. I not catch him in time. He need slow down! That not very nice!"
Below is a picture of the boys' relay team. The boys' coach, James, is the on in the gray sweat suit. The guy on the right, Richard, is FAST. The young man in the middle is the young man the boys have practiced with the past two years. They won the silver in the 400 Meter relay!
The boys did an awesome job and I was thrilled for them. Their coaches were impressed with how hard they worked this year. I was, too! Isaac is especially into competing. He seemed to "get it" this year. After school everyday he would run around the church for practice.
It was so windy that day, but it acted like it was going to rain. It didn't! Their shirts are really big and loose on them but they look like they are too tight because the wind is blowing them against their skin.
Below is a cute picture of the boys with their coach at the end of the day. He is a student at Manchester College. The boys thought it was hilarious that he kissed his girlfriend in front of them. That's what they're giggling about.
Some of the members of our church also participated in the Special Olympics that same day but in different events. This is a picture of my good friend, Mike. He is so precious to us and so faithful at church. He loves to fish and loves the Special Olympics! He uses sign language to communicate and he keeps me on my toes practicing! He always has a happy attitude, and loves to help. He is very dear to my heart, as close as a brother.
And here's a picture of Lee, another one of my friends at church who participated in the Special Olympics. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see them compete but at least I got their picture! Lee gives me a high five every time he sees me.
As a mom, the Special Olympics is a day when my kids get to shine. Everyone is a winner there, and there's nothing like the spirit of the athletes. They all try so hard.
One of my favorite parts this year was the runner who kept encouraging himself as he ran down the track.
"C'mon!" he yelled. "Go, go! Faster, faster! You can do it! Don't quit! Go fast! Run!" He just kept cheering himself on all the way to the finish line.
Oh yeah, I learn a LOT from these people. What a beautiful spiritual message that is. It's exactly what we're supposed to do through reading God's Word and meditating on Him! What encouragement we give ourselves when we do that. It's how we are supposed to talk to ourselves instead of entertaining thoughts of defeat and dread. I learned a spiritual lesson last year at the Special Olympics, and I learned one this year. God is always speaking to us if we keep our ears and eyes open!
More people should come and catch the spirit of these athletes. There's nothing more pure and joyful than their attitude of true optimism. It's contagious. If you're ever feeling low and need a pick me up -- go to the Special Olympics. You will never be the same.
(c) 2008 Karla Akins
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