While they were taking turns going up a couple came over and started talking to us. They started a group called Train to Inspire and were very excited to see the girls climbing. They were excited to hear about the kids and volunteered to invite them to the monthly events they hold. The group isn't very old and is still figuring out their role. Part of the issue we run into is that most people do not know the difference between Special Olympics and Paralympics/Adaptive sports. Special Olympics were really developed and allowed to use the Olympic name for those individuals who have a intellectual disability. If an athlete also has a physical disability they will also accept them. Paralympics/Adaptive sports are geared more towards those who only have a physical disability (spinal cord injury, blind, limb differences are a few). The qualifications for this group are much more strict and there are a lot of guidelines to how individuals are classified. Most assume Maria would be in Special Olympics, but she doesn't meet the qualifications. Which is why we spend a lot of time educating people about adaptive sports and Paralympics. Well, this couple was no exception. It did sound like they want to meet athletes where they are and help them move forward. The man was extremely interested that Maria was starting to do some weight training at the local Y to help her with track. I have a feeling he would be willing to help her with more specific weight training if I ask. We ended up saying goodbye to the. And enjoyed the rest of our time. As we were packing up, we were told by one of the workers that the couple had paid for the fee for the climb and bought all 3 girls t-shirts. Needless to say we were shocked and appreciated the gift that they gave us.
Yes, Ella had to check and make sure Maria was doing ok, several times.
