Proud to collaborate with SheSpeaks and Toyota to share our experience with the Special Olympics.
Joseph and I had different ideas on Norrin’s development after his autism diagnosis. I stressed speech, Joseph wanted to concentrate on fine and gross motor skills. For Joseph, it was all about Norrin learning to run, jump and throw a ball.
Sports came naturally to Joseph. He played sports throughout grade school and high school. He’s a huge football fan. And he’s a marathon runner. Joseph just wanted Norrin to have the same opportunities. He wanted what so many fathers want – to share their love for sports with their sons.
However, sports don’t come easily for Norrin. He has difficulty focusing, he has to work at his coordination. Norrin has worked extremely hard to do the things that come naturally for most boys his age. But Norrin does love to run. I think that’s why he loves baseball – for him it’s all about running the bases.
When Norrin’s gym teacher sent home the notice about participating in the Special Olympics, we didn’t even hesitate to sign Norrin up.
Just because sports don’t come naturally for Norrin, we still want him to have the opportunity to try. That’s the Special Olympics athlete oath:
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.
Winning or losing doesn’t matter to us or Norrin. We just want him to do his best, to have the opportunity just like anyone else. And Norrin just wants to have fun, like any other kid his age.
Since 1968, the Special Olympics has celebrated athletes of all kinds and strives to create a better world by fostering the acceptance and inclusion of all people. The 2015 Special Olympics World Games Opening Ceremonies kick off this Saturday, July 25 [through August 2] in Los Angeles! 7,000 athletes from over 177 countries will compete in this inspiring event.
I know what the Special Olympics means for us. I know what it means for so many others. And I’m grateful Toyota recognizes its importance too.
Building on LA’s storied history of outdoor art, Toyota partnered with the Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles to produce three murals inspired by the spirit of the 2015 Special Olympics World Games. The murals have been completed in advance with the intent that they will remain in place as a cultural legacy commemorating the Games in the city of Los Angeles.
This is sponsored post. I’m proud to collaborate with SheSpeaks and Toyota to share our experience with the Special Olympics.
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