Nick Godwin loves the challenge of football.
The Newark Dragons’ quarterback said he’s been playing flag football with the Delaware Special Olympics team for four years now. And while his team may have lost their first game at Saturday’s Fall Sports Festival, he was back on the field warming up for game two with a smile.
Godwin was one of 400 athletes of all ages participating in the annual festival, which was hosted at St. Andrew’s in Middletown. Most of the participants are Special Olympics athletes, but spokesperson Jon Buzby said about 30 peers without disabilities also play on the five teams.
Given an opportunity
Friends, family and fellow athletes lined the fields to cheer on the players competing in flag football, soccer and a long-distance run or walk. Other spectators sat inside the field house to watch the bocce ball competition.
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“It gives an opportunity … to see our athletes, their abilities that they have and how they are so much more like us than they are different from us,” Buzby said.
Athletes sign up for the fall festival in August and spend about 10 weeks training with their teammates and coaches.
‘You build a connection’
Katelyn Bradford and her parents have coached the Kent Wild Kats in soccer for nine years. At first, it was in support of Bradford’s autistic brother, Ryan. And when Ryan died six years ago, it became a way to keep his memory alive.
“You build such a connection with each every single one of (the athletes),” Bradford said.
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Bradford specifically helps to coach participants whose skills may not be as advanced as other players, as well as players who are physically disabled. Rather than playing in a scheduled match, these athletes play soccer in a separate skills competition, where they can show off their abilities in a different setting.
She loves seeing the players grow, both as athletes and as people. One of the new members of Bradford’s team scored her first goal on Saturday, and Bradford watched her do a happy dance on the field.
“That’s what it’s about,” she said.
The competition spans back over three decades and is put on by the combined effort of over 300 volunteers from Chase and St. Andrew’s. They organized an Olympic Village for athletes and their families to visit between games. Activities like corn hole and pumpkin decorating were set up, and snacks and coffee were available in the hospitality tent.
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“We have something for everybody, no matter what your skill level or your age,” Buzby said.
It’s all for the kids
Kids as young as two went through the obstacle course at the Young Athletes Showcase, and some bocce players were over 70. But all of them joined together inside the field house to celebrate at the opening ceremony Saturday morning, which was made up of speeches, a performance by the Delaware State Police Pipe and Drums, and a ceremonial torch lighting.
The competitions continued into the afternoon. And once they conclude, Buzby said it’s time to start planning for next year’s festival.
Send story tips or ideas to Hannah Edelman at hedelman@delawareonline.com. For more reporting, follow them on Twitter at @h_edelman.
