Apgar aka China bambina #3 aka my youngest twin took part in her first Special Olympics today at 10 years of age. First time for the King County (greater Seattle area) to host a Special Olympics. Good stuff. Got two silver medals for the 100M and 200M dashes.
Every participant got audience support (a lot of families, school staff and support staff), at least a ribbon and the top three in each heat got a medal. Everyone came out a winner. Serena was quite excited in the run up and all day. I think she could have got gold in the 200M but the adoration of the crowd was distracting, and she, and most participants, didn’t quite “get” the winning nature of medals versus the “we’re all athlete’s camaraderie”. Kinda like most 5 year old soccer isn’t about getting the ball in the goal. 
Some of the most determined athletes I’ve ever seen were out on the field. And good on 'em.
As always, I’m really proud to see what Serena can do (and will never breathe aloud to another person but can somehow vent on this board that I’m also not a little bit heartbroken to think about what might have been. Autism is a challenge…)
Congratulations to a proud and loving Poppa!
I have a disability as well, not as severe as Autism but being bi-polar can be pretty frustrating at times. I’m glad your daughter has you there for her, it is obvious that she will benefit from it.
Congrats! Kudos to everyone involved. Sounds like everyone had a good time.
China bambina was quite proud of herself this morning. I had meant to get those ready for show and tell, and so she could show off at school a little bit. And in the normal Monday morning rush, completely slipped my mind. What a heel sometimes, bloody hell.
Serena, all by her lonesome, somehow kinda sorta ended up in the back of the mini van wearing her two silver medals. I did a double take and asked her how that happened? Did Mom help “no”, did one of your sisters help “no”, did you do it yourself “YES!”. Crisis averted - once again saved by one of my clever kids. Proudly lining up this morning with the other kids that assemble in her group with the aides, and then walked up to class.
I got them out of her backpack this evening. They are hanging up on her bedroom wall. Not sure how to mount them or put them in a case. Give her inspiration for the 2020 Tokyo games - that would be awesome as my wife graduated from Waseda University and my Japanese is passable. 2024 might be a more practical choice.
I remember seeing a lot of the special needs Olympic athletes in Shanghai out and about when the games were going on then.