eSpecially Ben

Allison Douglas - Equestrian Four North Carolina Special Olympic athletes attended the 2015 World Games in LA. They competed against athletes from all around the world. Their medals acknowledge their victory in the games, but symbolize much more.  A group of us went to the airport to welcome the athletes back from the games. They were ready for hugs, photos and media interviews.  If you have free time to devote to a positive and uplifting activity, please read the articles below. The stories about the athletes and the programs are inspiring. Reader be aware, they are life-changing.  He Has More Courage Than Anyone Else World Games Adventure   Sam & Mattie Change the Game Starr Kluttz - Aquatics Katie Degnan - Tennis

Ben turns 12 years old today. Our lives changed forever the day he was born. Ryan and I became parents to a wild redhead with more energy and determination than an entire village. Like most people who become parents, we knew we would instill in our child the valuable lessons needed for life. We had no idea that Ben would be the one to teach us. Here are Ben's words of wisdom: Manners, Please Every parent has to fight for their child at some point. Be thoughtful, thankful and thorough when advocating for your child. Just this morning, a friend started a Facebook post that used words that were derogatory toward people with special needs. After a moment's thought, I spoke to the person privately. This person had no idea they were being offensive and removed the post immediately. Without lessons learned through Ben, I would have approached the situation with anger, accusations and assumptions. Friends Give Hugs Often Ben reaches out to strangers to touch their hand. He

I ran to the bathroom before the final event on the last day of Rainbow Express at Matthews United Methodist Church . Inside the bathroom, a girl was crying inside one of the stalls, "I don't want to leave. I want to know I can come back next week." The sadness in this girl's voice was so intense that I wanted to cry with her. Her counselor assured her that she could come back next year. Rainbow Express is a weeklong day camp for children with special needs. About 70 campers participate and they love every minute of it. Energy is high, activities are in abundance, hugs are infinite and a puppet show is promised every afternoon. After kids attend a year or two, it becomes a family reunion for everyone. The entire week is planned by the youth from the church with guidance from founder Laurie Little and other staff and volunteers. Each camper has a youth counselor and a buddy to help them through the activities of the week. The entire church community is committed