This was Anna's best Olympic outing ever. She had so much fun, and enjoyed seeing people she had not seen in a while. Thanks to Jessica (1-3 teacher) we were able to go with her old school Oak Grove. It was nice to see everyone I saw on almost a daily basis again. I heard "OH MY GOSH look how much Anna has grown!" about twenty times. We started the day with Anna smiling, clapping, and waiving her way down the long hallway. She is always game for a big party, and that is what she thought this was. To us it really is like a party - meeting up with old friends, making new ones, games, fun, and of course lots of food. :o)
We then went to the Track and Field to meet up with everyone when they came off the bus. We made the victory walk around the track and kicked off the events. While waiting for the games to begin we had a picnic blanket and enjoyed books with new freind, and lunch. With a new program they started this year called Project Unify Anna had plenty of helpers. http://www.specialolympics.org/schools_and_youth.aspx. What a GREAT idea!!!!
Thanks to Mrs. Chewning for Anna's three helpers, Anna really enjoyed them helping her. I appreciate the patience they showed to Anna, the encouragement, and the memories they gave Anna. She participated better this year I believe because she had them to help show her what to do, encourage her, and help her along the way. During the bean bag toss Anna made the bulls eye on the first toss, she made one basket in the hoop, she was able to do the long jump with one helper on each side (me behind), she followed her helpers as they showed her how to cross the balance beam, and ran (fast walk) to the finish line during her race. She only had one tumble that was at the end of the race center and that did not take the smile off her face. I helped her up, dusted her off and ask are you ok and with a big smile she said Yea.
I am so glad some schools are allowing the regular classrooms to help with the special needs classrooms. I think both parties learn so much. The children realize just because someone is a little different it is ok and it also teaches them to be thankful for the things they can do. It helps children like Anna because she looks to others to learn how to do things, and it teaches her so many proper socialization skills.
Thanks again to everyone envoled in letting Anna have the best Olympics ever.