Three Cheers for Griffin and North Kingstown Special Olympics Team

Earlier this month, I attended the Rhode Island Special Olympics Games at the University of Rhode Island. This was my second time attending the games. My son Griffin, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder, is an athlete of the North Kingstown Special Olympics team. Griffey had previous participated in the track and field games and this year he competed in the swimming events. First off, I would like to congratulate the athletes of the 2013 RI Special Olympics Games for their incredible courage and memorable performances. Second, but not any less important, I would like to bestow a giant high five of respect and admiration to all of the coaches and volunteers that made these games function at such a high level.  Last, I applaud the supportive families and friends of the athletes, whose cheers and encouragement could be heard on every stroke and turn in the pool. It certainly was a weekend of amazing events to say the least.

My family grew up in RI swimming. My brother and sister were above-average swimmers on competitive swim teams throughout middle and high schools. My brother and I have both completed the Save the Bay swim, although his time was “slightly” faster than mine. I completed in triathlons throughout New England for years and continue to swim for fitness. I watch the Olympics every year and marvel at the athletes’ abilities and how easy they make it look. In fact, during a break in the swimming during the RI Special Olympics Games, my oldest son, Spencer, noticed the name Elizabeth Beisel on the record board at the URI pool. I mentioned to Spencer and my youngest, Harrison, how amazing an accomplishment it was to be one of the three best swimmers in the entire world, at just 19 or 20 years old. Like the other athletes in the Olympics, Elizabeth Beisel certainly makes me shake my head thinking, “How do they make it look so easy.”

Well, let’s turn to one of my most memorable moments of these games. There was an event – I believe the 25-yard backstroke. There were two athletes getting ready to compete in this event. One of the athletes had made into the pool, where you would typically start from for a 25-yard backstroke. The other athlete climbed up onto the starting block and was sure that was where he should be. At first, a volunteer asked him to step down and join his fellow athlete into the water. The athlete was sure that he was in the right spot and positioned his left foot about a stride in front of his right foot to get into a ready position. Then, another volunteer tried with the same kindness and patience as the first.

The crowd, who was just getting over the elation of the previous heat, now began to focus on the events that would create this special moment. Soon, there was a crowd gathered at the starting block that included several volunteers, a coach, and a parent; all encouraging and being positive and never giving up. Dedication to a positive experience is a common theme among the many volunteers and coaches of the Special Olympics. Meanwhile, the crowd started to cheer and encourage the athlete as well. All of us were joined in unison to help and support this athlete, regardless if we knew him or not.  

Well, let’s just say the hard work and positive attitudes did work and the athlete climbed off those blocks and into the water. The race started and the screaming was deafening. My two sons and I stood up and cheered together. I told them after that race how amazing an accomplishment it was that we had just witnessed. I believe in my heart that they got the point 100 percent.

My son, Griffin, is an amazing athlete. He is on the higher end of functioning for an autistic child. For purely cognitive development delay reasons, Griffin just didn’t seem to fit into the typical North Kingstown recreation activities. The North Kingstown Special Olympics team has given him the opportunity to showcase his abilities and gain some confidence. Sure, he has won medals and placed high in events. But, the confidence he has developed and the feelings of accomplishment have made Griffin feel like a million bucks, regardless of what place he finished. Griffin is a kind boy and I noticed that during these games, he was so supportive of his fellow athletes and that made me so proud. He developed a great friendship with a young volunteer named Caleb, who was with him and supporting him throughout his training and at the RI Special Olympics weekend. Thank you Caleb, it was great to meet you and your incredible family. 

The Special Olympics theme is all about helping and encouraging your fellow athletes.  I make sure my other boys are at these events because I want the values of the Special Olympics to be part of who they become as young men. I am so proud of Griffin and all his amazing accomplishments. Sorry, Elizabeth Beisel, Griffin Roby is my favorite swimmer ever to compete at the URI pool.