News/Stories

Hope residents look forward to participating in various Special Olympics sports and activities every season.

For nearly 25 years, The Lutheran Home Association’s Hope Residence in Belle Plaine, MN,
has been involved in Special Olympics of Minnesota (SOMN).

According to the SOMN website, “Through sports, our athletes celebrate their abilities, not their disabilities. Their world opens with acceptance and understanding. They become confident and empowered by their accomplishments. They make new friends, joining the most inclusive community on the planet.

Special Olympic coaches give the athletes the most immediate awareness of their own worth,
ability, courage and capacity to grow and improve.” Special Olympics Minnesota (SOMN) trainings and competitions happen all year round in locations across the state. SOMN offers 17 Olympicstyle sports for every age or skill level, and has something for everyone. SOMN welcomes people with and without intellectual disabilities. There are traditional athletes, unified partners and young athletes, and SOMN creates an accepting and inclusive environment for everyone.

Hope residents are involved in a variety of SOMN sports throughout the year and are part
of a team called the Belle Plaine Wizardz, which also includes other athletes from around the area. They do bowling in the fall, swimming in the winter, volleyball and track and field in
the spring, and bocce ball in the summer. The athletes compete in area tournaments and can also go on to participate in the state competitions. Medals and ribbons are awarded to all participants, and the athletes are very proud to show them off.

“I love being in the Special Olympics—the whole thing is just fun,” said Sean, a SOMN athlete and Hope resident. “I like going to the practices each week and competing. I like the state competitions, too, because that is when my mom comes to watch me.”

Another SOMN athlete from Hope Residence agrees. “I like participating and I like my Special Olympics friends,” said Gloria. “I try to do my best and listen to the coaches, and they tell me I do a great job.”

Over several years of participating in Special Olympics, residents have made new friends with others. They enjoy seeing their coaches and other athletes at weekly practices and participating in the variety of sports on a regular basis. They’ve developed special friendships with their coaches and other athletes and look forward to attending practices every week.

“Participating in Special Olympics is an awesome opportunity for our residents and everyone enjoys it,” said Deb Wirt, activities director at Hope Residence. “We even have family members attend some of their events which makes it even more fun!”

The athletes at Hope Residence love participating in Special Olympics sports and being involved in the various activities it offers. It gives them the opportunity to excel in activities they enjoy and have fun with their friends.

“I like seeing everybody and the coaches every time,” said Jacob, an SOMN athlete from Hope
Residence. “They like it when I am there, and I like it when I am there too.”