Posted on 10/06/2016
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.