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By Laura Drinan
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The Charles River Center’s Ellie Bloom Special Olympics took to the track at Needham’s DeFazio Park on September 16 for a day of athletic activities and socializing. Dozens of balloons adorned the entrance to the track as the Special Olympic athletes made their way inside for the start of the opening ceremonies parade. With a handful of activities, like basketball, soccer, ladder ball, and bocce ball, participants of all ages and abilities were guaranteed to feel the success and victory of conquering each station.
Volunteers cheer on the basketball players at the Ellie Bloom Special Olympics as they victoriously shoot hoops.
Before beginning the activities, the volunteers and participants loosened up with stretching exercises and split into groups to then go to each of the stations. At the ladder ball station, Anne Fiesinger and J. Murph Yule of Boston were volunteering to ensure a positive experience at the activity. “It’s great, the kids and adults are inspirational,” said Yule. “The objective is so make sure each one succeeds and it’s fun.”
As the upbeat and funky music kept the participants energized and eager to accomplish each activity, the groups moved from station to station. At the huge soccer goal on the field inside the track, athletes kicked the ball into the net with the encouragement of the volunteers. Special Olympics athlete Stephanie channeled her inner David Beckham to effortlessly kick the ball into the goal. She was excited to tell her sister, a high school soccer player, about her achievement.
A group of women play bocce ball for a casual activity at Needham’s Special Olympics.
Many of the participants also chose to simply sit together and socialize. Kerri Monihan and Kevin Welby of Needham were cheering one of the youngest Special Olympic athletes, Mack, as he became a star athlete. “He’s been looking forward to it all week,” said Monihan. “Most of the time, he’s on the sidelines watching.”
However, the Ellie Bloom Special Olympics vow to accommodate all of the participants’ needs, and Mack conquered all of the activities and then found new friends to interact with.
As parents and friends watched their loved ones enjoy each activity, they offered their support with cheers and homemade signs. The volunteers exhibited kindness as they achieved their mission to empower and encourage the Special Olympic athletes. The day was undeniably enjoyed by all of those who participated, whether they were athletes, volunteers, or supporters.
Even as the Special Olympics came to an end with the closing ceremonies, the joy and smiles of the athletes were sure to last.
Cheered on by two volunteers, Stephanie shoots and scores at the soccer station of the Ellie Bloom Special Olympics.
