Wednesday 23 May 2012

The Most Special Olympians...

A few weeks ago, I was honored with being asked to spend a training session with Gymnasts that represent Great Britain in the Special Olympics - also known as the National Disabilities Display Team.  It was one of the coolest things I have ever done in my career, and brought back fond memories of my own years of involvement in gymnastics.

They train extremely hard - hailing from clubs all over the country, they are only able to meet up once a month as a full team.  Some of the team have been competing for Britain for as many as 16 years!  The tough thing, is that there is hardly any funding for these programs - the parents and coaches of these athletes donate countless hours and spend bucketloads of cash to keep the team afloat.  The sanction doesn't have as much public attention as the Paralympic Games, and so it is much harder (monetarily) to keep the program strong.  Without sponsorship, they go all over the world to compete for Britain on their own dime!

I was so inspired by these athletes.  I was in awe of their skill level.  Their determination, precision, and of course, their fun-loving attitudes and hilarious jokes.  It was a laugh a minute in that gym!  I am really looking forward to being a part of the documentation of this program, and am so thankful to the coaches, gymnasts, parents, and everyone at CAMM Street Gym for inviting me in!

British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208
British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208
British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208
British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208
British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208
British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208
British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208
British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208
British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208British Gymnastics National Disabilities Display Team photos by STUDIO 1208
How amazing are they?!  Also, a huge congratulations to the Team Gym team, who just after my visit placed first at the Nationals!!  Again, thank you to the team, the coaches and the parents for inviting me into your world!

xx
Maria

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