Special Athletes Overcome Challenges

Meet Allison – Special Athletes Overcome Challenges While Inspiring Others   A few Saturdays ago, at the RATH Centre in Truro, a swim competition was held where the Pictou County Otters prepared for the upcoming Provincials in July. Due to anticipation for the first swim competition in 26 months, many athletes did not get much sleep the night before. Incredibly, that did not stop all 8 of the athletes from beating at least 1 of their submitted times by as much as 15 seconds! What an amazing accomplishment.   I spoke with Allison who has been a dedicated coach with this incredible group for the past 4 years. She shared, “The swimmers are proud of everyone. They encourage each other every step of the way. They appreciate everything you do. I feel like I benefit more than the athletes when we are together. Lots of cheering, high energy, so much love and encouragement for each other. There are high fives all around even between the athletes who are competing.” I quickly chimed in, “I can only imagine how incredible that must feel, that energy. What an experience. I am getting goosebumps just visualizing that scene!” She smiled widely, “Hugs! So many hugs. Even when the athletes just get out of the pool and are soaking wet, “she laughed. “Those are my favourite kind of people!” I exclaimed.   I wondered what inspired Allison to get involved with the Special Olympics, she happily shared, “I have a daughter who is 17 and she was diagnosed with autism when she was 3. She absolutely loved water and eventually swimming. Jessica started swimming with the Special Olympics Pictou County Otters team when she was 12,” she continued, “I was a parent first, then a helper who went with my daughter to provincials in Antigonish at St. FX, and then I became a coach.” I could feel how proud she is of her daughter and the whole team. “The athletes each come with their own challenges, but also their own goals,” she lit up, “They inspire me every time we are together!” They are extraordinary humans in my book.   Curious, I asked, “What are the Provincials like?” She glowed, “Provincials are so very exciting for each and everyone of the athletes. They go by bus with athletes from other sports. The opening ceremonies take place on Friday night along with a big barbeque. Saturday is a day of competition and that evening they have a themed dance. The coaches, volunteers, and athletes spend the evening dancing.” I commented,” Oh, that sounds like a lot of fun!” What she shared next really surprised me! “The CEO from Special Olympics Nova Scotia is always the DJ. It is the social event of the year.” We both smiled.   I left our conversation feeling a sense of renewed optimism about our world. There is so much good happening around us that we sometimes do not realize it. We can all learn a valuable life lesson from these tremendous athletes. They are proud of themselves, but they are also so proud of each other.   I believe this quote sums it up beautifully, “We should be lifting each other up and cheering each other on, not trying to outshine one another. The sky would be awfully dark with just one star.” Shine on!