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Special Olympics offers more than just competition

Posted at 2:40 PM, Apr 29, 2017
and last updated 2018-11-03 15:19:51-04

The Special Olympics Heart of Texas chapter hosted it's second largest event of the year Saturday at Connally High School. 

Over 375 children and adults, ranging in age from eight to 68-years-old, participated in track and field events including relays, runs and walks, softball throw, long jump and javelin.

"I love it. I love my team. They take care of me. And my coaches, I love them to death," Cody Pinion, a Special Olympics athlete, said.  

Cody is 23-years-old and he's been an athlete competing in Special Olympics since he was 8. 

"The 200, the relay and the running long jump," Cody added. 

...those are the three big events Cody has been training for all year. 

"To see him train for so long to get to this point, when they win whether it's first, second or third, it's real," Charles Pinion, Cody's dad, said. 

So real, Cody's dad says, it's comparable to winning the Super Bowl or Daytona 500 for Cody and the other athletes. 

"If other teams, whether be the NFL, NBA, could have as much pride in what they do as Special Olympics, the world would be a better place," Charles added. 

But, as Cody's dad points out... Special Olympics is much more than just competition.

"The main things it to allow the athletes to get out and have that camaraderie and that social skills with the other athletes throughout the state," Charles said.

A group of athletes he hopes continues to grow... 

"I would encourage parents to look around in their communities and find those teams and make their children a part of those teams," Charles added. 

"Come and try it. It's a fun sport and come join us," Cody said. 

Cody also wants to make sure his coaches knew how thankful he was for all they do for him and his teammates.  

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