July 27-Aug 1, 1993
Eight Special Olympics Gymnasts were proud to perform in the US Olympic Festival in the Special Olympics Division. I was the head coach while Kathy Gray from Minn. And Debby Savoie from Louisiana were assistant coaches. The Competitors were
The SO gymnasts warmed up & competed with the mainstream gymnasts on the floor at the same time. It was truly a “dream come true” for our athletes, with Olympians like Shannon Miller, Kerri Strugg, and Dominque Moceanu. On the whole, the athletes embraced our Special Olympians and the audience gave them their overwhelming support. Afterward, people on the streets and in Sea World came up to our athletes and congratulated them on their performances!
As a bonus, Jarvis Porter was able to do a floor exercise demonstration during the women’s finals competition on Sunday. It was a wonderful moment for Inclusion within mainstream sports and we hope it continues.
As stated in the San Antonio Express-News on July 26, 1993, “No doubt, there will be better athletes at the Olympic Festival…There will not be any with more determination. And there will not be any who will enjoy all of this quite as much” as the Special Olympians.