Special Olympics Unified Sports® proves that, as youth come together on the field to play, they also come together as friends.
Meet Kayla, a student at Northside High School who actively participates with Special Olympics year round. Her first experience volunteering was in seventh grade, and right then, she knew she wanted to stick with it for the rest of her life. She has attended the Summer Games in Richmond for the past six years, and continues to help with local events.
This year, she had the honor of being the Northside student representative on the planning committee for the area’s Little Feet Meet, which features Young Athletes™ ages 2-12. Not only does she love being able to help organize and plan events, she also loves giving younger kids the same experience the older youth and adults receive. “It brings me so much happiness seeing the kids enjoy what we have all helped put together for them.”
Kayla doesn’t just help cheer on our champions, though, she’s also made special relationships with them, including an athlete named Katherine. Kayla and Katherine have always attended school together, but Special Olympics helped them create a lasting bond and Kayla now thinks of her like a sister. Kayla loves attending Katherine’s events and cheering her on when she receives medals. However, their friendship isn’t always focused on sports. Katherine always knows how to lift Kayla’s mood and make her laugh. She’s also super dramatic and boy crazy, making their friendship fun and special, just like any other two best friends.
“I have definitely made a lot of great memories with Special Olympics, and I hope to make many more in the future. I love being a partner and volunteer with Special Olympics!”