Special Olympics Spring 2010 Games

This past Tuesday, we arrived at Kentner Stadium at Wake Forest University for the Special Olympics Spring 2010 Games.  When we got there, Mary was asked if she had any students that could run the torch with someone from the police department.  After some quick thinking, Ethan was chosen!  Oh my gosh- just two years ago, we were at the same stadium with a walker, doing our best to get him to stay on his feet and walk, and this year he will be assisting in the opening ceremonial torch run!!!  Can we say "Proud Mommy Moment"?  ☺

Ethan and Mary made the newspaper!

{Torch Run Video - Don't pay any attention to the annoying arm interfering with the shot toward the end of the video, LOL.  I love how there were people I didn't know, cheering Ethan on!}

Always happy when Daddy is around!

Waiting for the next game!

On the move!

Giggles!

He was actually pretty good at this game!

Making baskets!

Proud Daddy & Son!

He was really good at this, too!

On Wednesday, Ethan participated in his first "official" events (you have to be 8 years old in order to officially participate).  His first event was the softball throw.  He placed 5th, which may have been by default in his bracket because there were some awesome arms that threw before Ethan!  And, I don't encourage throwing much, LOL.

Almost ready to throw the softballs!

On to the next event!

His second event was the one that we had looked forward to the most- the 50m assisted walk.  The weather was beautiful, but B-R-R-R-R COLD!!!  The temp was fine until the wind blew- *shivers*.  This didn't make for a happy camper, AKA:  Ethan.  Even with being grumpy and tired, Ethan did a great job and placed 2nd place in his heat!!!  We are all so proud of Ethan and his improvements with his walking!  I would like to send a shout out to Dr. Fuchs, Ethan's neurosurgeon, for de-tethering his spinal cord and making it possible for Ethan to compete in a walking race for the Special Olympics!!!

{Video of 50m event!}

Ethan refuses to stand or even sit on the podium- maybe next year...

Congratulations to all of the athletes!!!  What a pleasure to see all of you competing!