Olympics at Odessa: WN Goes For Gold

Every year, Odessa High School hosts the Special Olympics- a day of sports and fun for students with special needs so that they can enjoy the triumphs of sports. Medals, friends, and the outdoors- what’s not to love? The students are accompanied by members of the WN National Honor Society, partnered with them in a “buddy” system. They are accompanied by our mascot, as seen below.

Yesterday, October 4th, the WN Special Olympics Athletes and their NHS high schooler “buddies” set off to Odessa High School. The athletes went home with several first-place medals, and everyone won something! Not to brag, but WN won lots of gold!

Jozlyn Brinegar attended as a “buddy” on behalf of the National Honor Society. “My favorite part of the whole experience was getting to help out,” the senior says. “I learned about different types of sirens and trucks and always to be patient no matter what.” Jozlyn has been a part of the Special Olympics before, attending her junior year as a buddy, again through NHS. The buddy system is a system implemented every year, and Jozlyn thinks it helps the kids and buddies bond. “To bond with the student I was buddies with I listened to him talk about his special interests.”

From a sponsor's perspective, this was Mrs. Fahrmeier’s first year as NHS sponsor. “I was not sure what to expect at the Special Olympics, however, it was a truly rewarding experience seeing the NHS Seniors interacting with the Special Olympians from WN. It was also rewarding to see the student-athletes find confidence in themselves and the excitement of the day!” NHS did have to overcome a few obstacles though. NHS was two members short yesterday, which skewed the numbers for the buddy system. “Everyone stepped up and did whatever was needed to make the day a success.”

The Special Olympics was a huge success. Competitions are held across America, helping athletes with learning disabilities discover new strengths and abilities, and Odessa MO is no different. We as Wellington-Napoleon students are grateful for the opportunities that have arisen in recent years, to spread joy and include everyone. The athletes went home with medals and smiles.