Special Olympics

A couple of weeks ago, Chase participated in the Special Olympics. He was in 3 events. 

1. Long jump

2. Softball throw

3. 50 meter dash.

I was bummed when we got there because we had already missed seeing Chase in the first 2 events. By the time Eric could leave work and we dashed over there, (we had let Chase ride the bus over with all the other kids) we never dreamed they would be so quick in his events. We thought there'd be alot more waiting around, but we did get there for the 50 meter dash. 

Chase had his ears plugged the WHOLE TIME because for whatever reason they saw fit, they had a gun that they would shoot off to start each event. Okay people, really? A gun? It was pretty loud, it even startled me a few times when I wasn't expecting it, and with a football field FULL of autistic kids, shooting a gun off every 3 minutes really isn't the best idea. We had to take Chase and leave because he just couldn't relax with the gun going off. But the thing is, the whole idea of doing this for these kids was cool, we just could have done without the gun. The whole thing was organized nicely, a company provided a yummy lunch for the kids, there were t-shirts and plenty of water, and the weather was great.  

Each special needs child was paired up with a "typical" child. In the autism world, a typical child is one who does not have special needs, so the typical child participates in each event with the special needs child to help them out. The little boy who was Chase's helper was a total sweetheart and was trying to help Chase relax each time after the gun went off.

This was taken right after Chase finished the 50 meter dash and he was still visibly upset at the loud sounds but trying to be happy still. He's a good sport! :) Love this little man, oh yeah, and the big man holding the little man, especially since the big man carries my purse around for me because it's heavy, but I insist on having my purse with me wherever I go :)