 |
Letter from |
| We asked our
coaches to relate to you what being involved in Special
Olympics means not only to them but also to the athletes they work with. Any comments you have can be sent to us by email at: info@westspol.org |
|
|
|
Letter from |
| We asked our
coaches to relate to you what being involved in Special
Olympics means not only to them but also to the athletes they work with. Any comments you have can be sent to us by email at: info@westspol.org |
|
|
|
|
| In their own words: | |
| "It's great to see kids improve-after weeks of crying and complaining to see them do something like today, Nick swam the pool's length with confidence! Who would have believed that! After 18 weeks there are moments that make it all worthwhile." Bobbie H. |
 |
"The children work so hard & enjoy the swimming & the challenge of learning the different swim skills. There is such a sense of excitement with the achievement of swimming the length without stopping or jumping in the deep water. Their achievement is everyone's success!!" Susie Y. |
| "I look forward to each and every week. The children are so happy to see you & every "little" accomplishment is so big to them. It is such a great challenge for me to make a difference in each of their days. They get so proud & so do I for them. I think one of my favorite part of the day is when they ask for you! They make you appreciate every moment of your life and bring joy to mine." Holly Hemminger |
| "One thing that I noticed that has been changed in my life since I have started volunteering with the I.U. is that I am appreciating what I have a lot more. I love spending time with the children. They are always so happy and make me feel good." Crystal Hemminger |
| "The athletes I help with in swimming and cycling bring such joy to my life because they try so hard. I have been volunteering for about 3 years now and truly enjoy spending time in helping them accomplish even the smallest tasks. I feel happy that I can laugh with them & also feel sad with them when the time is appropriate." Stephanie Prohaska |
 |
| "I just like to help them out and see them smile." Stephen Prohaska |
|
"I enjoy working with the youth and watching them improve in their skills. I also enjoy the challenge of help them push and stretch the limits of their abilities." Clyde Shaw |
| "It is truly a fulfilling experience to watch a Special Olympian with no swimming skills bravely attempt to learn the basics of swimming. Within a safe and controlled environment, and with a lot of hard work, they may become a very accomplished swimmer. As swim coaches, our goal is to have them enjoy the water, learn to swim and possibly be able to compete in our annual swim meet, competing against other athletes with similar abilities. Watching their transition from a non-swimmer to a good swimmer is such as rewarding experience for both the swimmer and swim coach alike. Myself as a swim coach, I have had the ultimate privilege to watch the individuals build confidence in themselves and personally grow to be healthier, stronger individuals. This in turn gave me something that I had never expected. Some where along the way, I personally grew too!" Cyndi Zagorce |
"The biggest thrill that I am able to share with the Special Athletes I coach is the thrill of reaching a goal. When I set a goal, the athletes are sure that for them it is unattainable. But with their hard work, proper training and motivation, in no time at all they find themselves setting even higher goals. The look in their eyes saying, "Hey, I CAN do it" is all the reward and thanks that I need." Mark Barnhart |
