May 8, 2015 at 1:23 p.m.
Kids for Kindness group supports Special Olympics athletes
Kids for Kindness group supports Special Olympics athletes
By Kayla Thomason-
Ten students created posters and sponsored the 10 athletes who will be competing in the regional Special Olympics Saturday.
"I think the kids think it's so much fun to come out and cheer for people and make the signs and be able to use the pom-poms and cheer on the athletes before they go to regionals," said Janet Jamison, unofficial leader of Kids for Kindness.
The athletes enjoyed seeing the posters with their names on them and hearing the cheers from the stands.
"It felt like I was being supported for what I was doing," said Keegan Marko, one of the athletes. "To me (competing is) not all about winning, it's about doing what you love with your friends. That's why I joined this because I have more friends here than I did in junior league and basketball. I get more exercise out of it and it's good for me."
The students who created the posters were happy to support their fellow students.
"It was nice, very fun activity to do to support them," said Ryan Jamison, Keegan's sponsor.
Amy Johnson, Special Olympics agency manager, was grateful for the large turnout of students.
"We were just thrilled to have actual fans in our stands to cheer us on because sometimes when we go to our regional meet in Merrill it's difficult to have that hometown feel," Johnson said. "To have all the cheer and encouragement is just an extra push for them to get their goals. They usually set their goals pretty high themselves so just having that extra noise and excitement just elevates them and pumps them up even further to do their best."
The athletes will be competing against athletes from Wausau, Medford, Marshfield and Antigo at regionals.
Athletes placing in first, second or third will advance to State Special Olympics in June in Stevens Point.
"Special Olympics is fun and I love it here at track and field," said Krystal Kriesel, one of the athletes.
"We're just very greatful that this organization between Project Unify and Hodag Kids for Kindness and the community and the School District of Rhinelander can come together to celebrate the uniqueness of all our athletes," Johnson added.
Hodag Kids for Kindness is a community service group of elementary and middle school children that meets once a month.
They play Bingo with Grace Lodge residents, have dinner with firefighters, and volunteer at Ruby's pantry.
For more information on Hodag Kids for Kindness, visit www.hodagkidsforkindness.com.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
Comments:
You must login to comment.