Special Olympics coaches can transform athletes’ lives by helping them to build their physical strength and personal growth.
At Gabriel Homes, many of our residents compete in many Special Olympics sports, from powerlifting to soccer to softball and more.
Some of our residents are state and national champions in their sports. Gold, silver, and bronze medals decorate many residents’ bedrooms. Their success is partly thanks to the Special Olympics coaches who challenge them every week.
Gabriel Homes reached out to Special Olympics coaches on how they coach and what success means to the athletes. Here’s what they had to say:
How do you push the athletes to challenge themselves physically?
“You have to be able to read the athletes and try to decode how they’re feeling. Some days, you can see they’re ready to go, and you can push them further. They’re usually excited to do the weights, even if they don’t know how many pounds they’re lifting. Our job as coaches becomes giving them as much weight as we think they can do.”
Coach Seth Abrams (right): Powerlifting
How have you and the athletes grown together through the Special Olympics?
“I’ve grown with the players I’ve coached thanks to the camaraderie and shared experiences at tournaments. We’ve taken long car rides, and we talk about our lives when we’re driving. The players and I are lifelong friends now, and we help each other when someone needs support.”
Coach Marc Egan (back): Softball
What’s your favorite memory of the Special Olympics?
“One of my favorite things every Special Olympics is during the athletes’ oath and the National Anthem. At Special Olympics events, all the athletes love to sing the Star-Spangled Banner while it’s playing. There is no greater symbol of unity and joy than seeing everyone singing together.”
Coach Sarah Carwile (right): Swimming, Soccer
What’s it like seeing the looks on the players’ faces after matches?
“The looks on everyone’s faces are something you never forget. Special Olympics athletes take great pride in their efforts. They walk taller, too, because they’re proud of themselves. Their faces show pure joy, something you only see in the Special Olympics.”
Coach Tana Leasure (back): Soccer
How do you push the athletes to challenge themselves physically?
“I learn a lot about myself through coaching. Our athletes may have disabilities, but they don’t hold themselves back. They’re ready to lift, and they’re having fun doing it.
“When I run into everyday problems, I think about how our players do incredible things in the Special Olympics. We all should learn from them as role models.”
Coach Bill Whiteside (center): Powerlifting