When we enrolled Johne at his new school on base they invited him to sign up to compete at Special Olympics. He trained hard for three months during P.E. time and extra trips to the track. He had two events, softball throw and the wheelchair race.
We had to arrive by 7 a.m. and it was on the other side of the island so we woke up super early to give us time to get there. When we arrived we found our school's tent, and later on we took a walk and said hi to the folks from his last two schools. They were all happy to see him.
Every school and athlete participated in a parade around the track. It started to rain but only for a minute and then it was just hot beyond belief for the rest of the day.
Each school had a home base with chairs and tables full of LOTS of food. Guam knows how to do food and at any time of the day.
This man came up and pointed to the camera around my neck and wanted me to take his picture. I don't know him but he was one of the athletes.
This is a few of the kids from McCool School.
Lance, a teachers aid pushed Johne around the track.
Johne looked great in his uniform.
This is Logan wearing the hat. He rides the school bus with Johne so I get to see his happy face twice a day. The night before the Olympics Johne said the sweetest prayer that Logan would beat someone and not come in last place. It made me cry.
Love this shot!
This is Sophie. She is one of my primary girls and her Dad is in our Stake Presidency.
Mrs. Pulliam is to the right of Johne, she is the principal and I sure respect her a lot. Her spunk reminds me of Cami Alexander and she really is great at what she does.
When Ali arrived we had a laugh at this.....barbecue at 9 a.m. Mmmmm! Ha ha.
A random storm trooper was wandering around the events. Too cool!
Go Johne go!
Johne received a medal after his big throw.
His cheerleaders. Ali, Laura, Tyson, Gracie & Lydia.
His last event was the wheelchair race.
He raced against his own time. I love this face. He was so happy.
And so determined.
Going for it.
Almost to the finish line.
He told me later that night that his favorite part was when his teacher Mrs. Babauta came. I love this lady! She was pregnant out in the heat on this, Saturday (her day off) to cheer for Johne Boy. Aren't teachers just the best!
I liked this poster. "We can overcome obstacles."
Tyson and Lance lifted Johne onto the top platform to get his last medal. Do you love that smile or what?
I met a few more people on "Team Johne." That's what I call the people I meet who are rooting for Johne and have had some impact in his life. I met his nurse from his old school, I learned that she did A LOT to help him. She was so excited to meet me to see who was caring for him, she has been worried about him. She also said she has never seen him look so happy or healthy before. That makes me sad and happy at the same time. Its hard to explain. We talked for quite a while and I learned SO much more information about his past. She insisted on getting my information and we will stay in contact for sure, I felt connected to this stranger and new friend instantly.
It was a special day indeed in more ways than one.
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