Click here to view photos from the Sea Gals' visit
By Emily
Special (adj.): 1. Exceptional or extraordinary; 2. Particularly valued; 3. Of a distinct kind.
This weekend, Miranda, Jessica T., Kat, and myself had the opportunity to visit Wenatchee and participate in the Washington Special Olympics, and our time there was special indeed. We spent three days getting to know athletes of all ages, and cheering them on as they competed in a variety of winter sports: downhill and cross country skiing, speed and figure skating, and basketball. It was an unbeatable experience to watch kids gather from all over the state, and send them home as Olympic medalists. Their cheerful disposition and unwavering enthusiasm kept our energy levels through the roof! Sometimes it felt like they were the professional cheerleaders! They were thrilled to have us there representing the Hawks and they all were excited for the coming football season!
It was our genuine pleasure to be involved. We send our gratitude to the sponsors who put this weekend together, the familes of the participants, and of course the athletes themselves. I will always be thankful for the inspiration that I found in their strength, resolve, and positivity throughout the competitions. There was definitely something special about the community that was created this weekend among everyone we met. They don't call it the Special Olympics for nothing!
By Kat
Day 1
The four of us zoomed over the pass from Seattle (thanks to our fabulous driver, Rich) and arrived safely in Wenatchee, WA for the 2009 Special Olympics, tossed our suitcases into our rooms so we could quickly scoot off to Olympic Town to welcome the athletes and cheer them on to Opening Ceremonies.
After a quick dinner, The Sea Gals arrived at the newly constructed Town Toyota Center for Opening Ceremonies to lead the Athletes into the arena for cheers and encouragement for the events in the coming days. Of the featured speakers, Scott Macartney, a US Olympics Alpine Ski Team member, greeted the athletes and empowered them to have fun and do their best.
After the lighting of the torch, many hugs, photos, and signatures with the athletes, The Sea Gals headed back to the hotel for a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a busy one!
Day 3
With only a few hours left, the Sea Gals headed over to several different gyms to cheer on the basketball players and make our final farewell. There isn’t a more emotive group of athletes and fans than those at the Special Olympics. Although it was a whirl-wind tour, we loved our trip and can’t wait to see everyone next year!