Francis Howell NorthHigh School

All we need is an opportunity to succeed. Athletes play the game for the thrill of victory, but not everyone gets that chance. The Francis Howell Special Olympics (FHSO) wants to make sure that no one gets left in the crowd, no matter their ability or experience with sports. And on Oct. 1, groups of thrilled athletes came to Francis Howell North (FHN) High School fields for a Special Olympics softball tournament.

Regional Program Director for Special Olympics Missouri, Jocelyn Diehl, said, “The St. Louis Metro Area is always searching for ways to offer additional opportunities for competition at state of the art facilities, and the Francis Howell program has really stepped up to help us accomplish that. Not only are your teams skilled and competitive, but the whole district has been fully supportive of our program and is helping the whole area grow and excel.”

Special Olympics Missouri has been hoping to build a field for events of this type, and is still raising the necessary funds for the outdoor fields and sports equipment. Click here for more info. 

Joe Shaw is the FHSO Director (and Assistant Principal at John Weldon Elementary), and he takes great pride in helping kids get a chance to enjoy sports. “FHSD recognizes that it is important to serve all students in all aspects of life,” Shaw said. “Special Olympics helps to teach teamwork, the importance of hard work, and the dedication to a goal – all ideals which the district fully supports. In addition to helping the Special Olympics student-athletes, many students volunteer to serve Special Olympics through various roles. (FHSD) students volunteer by raising money to help those less fortunate, supporting the basketball tournament by refereeing, keeping score, and cheering for the athletes, and numerous other ways.”

There is a long list of sports offered through the FHSO, and a full list (as well as more information about the organization) can be found by clicking here.