Chelsea gets more hugs than an Olympic champion. Truxton greets Emmanuel with a big high-five after his sprint. The kids' eyes brighten. Their bodies are a little more charged. Millar wipes a tear from her eye.
Typical kids have the chance to be on sports and feel good about themselves.
This gives them the opportunity to participate and feel good. They also are grateful for Walker Middle School and principal Kathy Flanagan, who has a background in special education. Flanagan sees the Special Olympics as another way to put special-needs kids in the mainstream. For example, Emmanuel is a crime watcher. He has a post.