Killeen ISD’s Dream Team showed up and showed off Friday at the Area 12 Special Olympics Track and Field Meet at Belton High School, cashing in months of hard work for some shiny hardware while enjoying the true spirit of camaraderie and competition.
“We started practicing at the end of January and have been out there every Saturday since. They’ve all gotten faster and stronger,” said Kevin Lanxon, KISD’s director of special education human resources and related services, and Dream Team coach. “Our coaches and parent volunteers who create a fantastic collaboration train them and they aren’t easy on them, so we’ve seen them improve their running, jumping and throwing.”
That certainly was evident all morning and afternoon under a partly cloudy sky at Tiger Field.
The Dream Team athletes responded to loud cheers and jubilant encouragement from supportive fans, family and volunteers with the best efforts in events such as the standing long jump, running long jump, ball and javelin throws, 25-, 50-, and 100-meter runs and wheelchair races, among many others. And, at the finish line or after every attempt, high-fives and hugs were always there for the taking.
“They were definitely ready for this,” Lanxon chuckled.
Ellison’s Alana Whitfield couldn’t wait to participate in her jumping and relay events. And while winning a medal was important, she had other favorite parts that she looked forward to the most.
“I like to get to see my friends and be with them,” the senior said, sharing that she most enjoys English class because “I like writing and reading packets and that kind of stuff.”
As far as the day’s main objective, Whitfield said simply, “Trying to do our best.”
The thrilling, full day began bright and early with a pep rally at Killeen High where the Roos spirit squads, band, members of the football team and more set the tone and sent the Dream Team athletes into competition with a head of steam.
“Dr. Davis and some of his leadership team came out, so that was amazing,” Lanxon said. “Killeen High did a great job of pumping them up, and on the bus ride here they were just so excited, you know, saying ‘We’re going to win,’ and things like that.
“The biggest thing, though, is just seeing the joy on their faces,” Lanxon added. “The kids’ smiles on their faces regardless of how they perform just shows that they are happy to be here. They are happy to be with their peers and compete and be themselves for a day outside.”
Friday's athletes ranged from elementary through high school students: Mira Brown, Kyle Boling, Alexander Quails, Alana Whitfield, Noah Marsh, Diego Reyes-Diaz, Phoenix Blackburn, Kamylah Martinez Batiz, J’aire Saulsberry, Joshua Stoneburner, Jazevion Roberts, Ali Green, Jeffery Avalos, Amy Ballard, Joshua Oliver, Emmanuel Nelson, Christian Sterling, Maziah Bell, Sam Pritchard, Dessmond Johnson Jr, Indya Chambers, Jerrell Roberts, Lynn Smith, Kathaleya Smith, Grayson Key, Gabriel Balbaneda, Edward Gutfleisch, Liam Lorimer, Javen Carter, Harold Hamilton, June Pacheco, Miley Fleming, Jackel Tyler, Tyler Jakel, Tearra Westbrook, Karson Thomas.
Other schools competing Friday included Temple, Belton, Bosqueville, Academy, Waco, Lampasas and Rockdale.
The next step for some of the Dream Team is the state Special Olympics Summer Games, which is scheduled for April 30-May 2 in Melissa.
To view more photos, visit KISD Communications’ Flickr page here.