Riverwood Residents Enjoy Spring 2008 Special Olympics
By Rhonna Sanford, CCFH Director of Services
On Wednesday, April 23, 2008, Riverwood residents participated in Spring Special Olympics. Riverwood residents look forward to this day. Everyone is up and getting ready to go by 7am and the air is filled with excitement. By 8:30am we are on our way to Heritage High School, Maryville, TN, where the event is held.
On arrival we are greeted by volunteers who assist use with getting off the van. We then line up for the “parade of athletes”. As the parade begins, parents, family members, sponsors, volunteers, and staff are lined up on each side of the track. As each athlete passes, they are greeted with pats on back, applause, smiles, whistles, tears and a genuine feeling of true admiration and love. Every year at Special Olympics Hebrews 12:1 comes to my mind: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses…” It is much easier to endure the hardships of life when we know there are others who are standing on the side lines, encouraging us. I wish we could all have that feeling everyday.
Each resident participates in two events and receives a medal. We have walkers, runners, softball throwers, and long jumpers. My friend Gib runs in the 50 yard dash every year. We have a routine that we go through every year. Gib says, “Rhonna, I am running in the 50 yard dash.” I say, “I know buddy, you are going to do great!” Gib says, “I am not nervous Rhonna. I am going to run fast like the wind!” I say, “You are fast like the wind! Gib says, “I am going to run TO you Rhonna, not OVER you, right?” I say, “Yes, Gib, run TO me not OVER me!” He then cracks up laughing, and I crack up laughing, and so does anyone else who is within ear shot. Two years ago, Gib ran so fast that he couldn’t stop, and I couldn’t move fast enough. He literally ran me over!
By the end of our day, everyone is exhausted. We have spent this day giving 110%. It has been a GREAT day. When we return to Riverwood, Gib comes into my office and says: “I want to run in the 50 yard dash next year Rhonna.” I say, “I know buddy. I will take care of it.” Gib says, “And, I run TO you Rhonna, not OVER you, right?” I say, “That’s right Gib, TO me not OVER me.” He laughs and I laugh and then he leaves my office. Our day is done.
Special_Olympic_Spring_08_pics_1.pdf