Special Olympics

A few weeks ago we traveled with The Boy and his teammates to attend the State Basketball tournament.

It was exciting, enlightening and exhausting.

I don’t even know how to document it all.

When we first got there The Boy had his individual event. The “skills team” first does individual skills then the next day did a team skills. Not ever having done it before we sat in the bleachers while David stayed with him. The skills involved dribbling, passing and shooting. What we didn’t realize is that some of these skills happen off the court so the only thing I got to see him do was shoot baskets. But I’m told that he rocked the others.

After he shot his baskets he had some standing around time.

It was hard for him to stand still. Shocking, I know.

After a little while they started announcing some winners of different regions and age groups. Imagine my surprise when they all the sudden announced that The Boy was the gold medal winner. I didn’t even know he was done!

He was pretty excited. He was especially excited to show it off.

Later that evening was the Opening Ceremonies. While it did involve a lot of waiting around it was also a lot of fun to watch all the athletes “parade” out. There was even a torch lighting!

David and MT got to stay with The Boy and be a part of the parade. LM, The Parents and I were on saving seat duty.

I’m not a crier, I think I’ve mentioned that before. But if I was now would have been the time that the water works were turned on. And it wouldn’t have been the first time that day, if you can believe it.

The next day was the team event. This is how it goes. Each team member stands at a spot around the basket, they pass it from one person to the next and the last person shoots. Then they rotate spots. So each person gets to shoot twice. While they are doing this their opponent is doing the same thing on the opposite end of the court. There were a lot of people around and their “game” didn’t last very long so it made for many deep sighs. That’s a good way to put it. Even so it was fun to participate.

He was very good about knowing where he was supposed to stand, and if someone wasn’t moving to their spot fast enough or standing where they were supposed to you better believe he was quick to put them in their place. I suppose he doesn’t notice that he’s the shortest and youngest of the group.

Their team won a bronze medal. Which everyone was thrilled about. Everyone is thrilled about everything, really, and it’s kind of infectious.

We also watched his other team members play a game. Closer to a basketball game we’re used to, but still with some modifications. That was really fun to watch. Each of the athletes really takes it seriously, it’s their moment and they know it. It was awesome. The Boy, of course, was itching to get out their with his team. Most of those on the court were  teenagers or adults so he’s got a few years. It’s going to be hard for him to be patient, I’m afraid.

This is my absolutely favorite picture/moment. The two fingers are for his two medals. Just the look on his face, holding his medal and the “2.” Looks so “tough guy athlete.” Watch out Michael Phelps, this kid is counting too.