...and it was a great success! Eight-year-old Joe ran to his parents excitedly, clutching his trophy. He exclaimed, “This is the first trophy I’ve received in my entire life!” Two-year-old Christie toddled up to receive her trophy and proudly carried it back to her mother. Katy hugged her trophy and kept it next to her birthday cake all the next day. The children and parents were so proud. Some of the parents had tears in their eyes; all of them beamed.

Therapy In Action and Champions combined their resources to allow children with neuromuscular problems, developmental delay, autism, and other disabilities an opportunity to participate in a unique sports event, the “PERSONAL BEST OLYMPICS”

The participants were primarily children who were being seen by Therapy In Action therapists and their siblings. These children rarely win the trophies that other children do and this event was designed so that every child would receive a trophy for doing his or her personal best. There were nine sports events including a Fireman Relay, Pool Worm Javelin Throw, Turtle Race, Freestyle Trapezing, and others. In addition there was live music, crafts, face painting, and a bake sale. As each child participated in the events, he or she received accolades, such as “awesome”, “most graceful” or “fastest”. At the end, everyone received a trophy with a personalized introduction, such as “The Grooviest Freestyle Surfer” or “The Fastest Through the Obstacle Course”. One parent commented. “I must mention what an outstanding job your emcee did at the closing ceremonies. Each child was singled out, his remarks were always fresh and positive, and I could see how excited each child was to receive his/her trophy. Our family was uplifted by attending this event, and most importantly, Rachael had a great time.”