So it's been two days since I launched PenderHappenings and the honor the first Happening goes to Matt. So, Matt recently participated in the two separate Special Olympics events. He really liked it. Leading up to the actual day, he "trained" with his life skills class at school. They would practice running and jumping and throwing. Just basic events.
The first Special Olypmics day was held at Shippensburg University in Shippensburg, PA - about 30 minutes from home. It was on April 6. The second competition was held at Messiah College here in Mechanicsburg. This was the bigger of the two events as it was a regional event with over 1,000 athletes competing.
Matt competed in the 50 Meter sprint, the softball throw and the standing broad jump at both competitions.
Here are some of his times/results
Shippensburg:
50 Meter: 11.66 sec. taking 4th place
Softball Throw: 55 ft.
Standing long Jump: 1' 9" (his picture will show his aid sort of holding back so didn't jump to soon)
Messiah
50 Meter: 11.19 taking 3rd place
Softball Throw: Distance unknown but he almost hit someone
Standing long Jump: Distance unknown but much further. His aid had more of a hands off policy.
At each competition Matt had his aid from school Mrs. Gutshall and a volunteer buddy with himAll in all it was pretty positive experience for Matt. He really liked it and will definitely participate next year.
FYI: For those of of who don't know or don't remember the Special Olympics motto is:
"Let me win but if I can not win let me be brave in the attempt"
