“Wow, Declan! You are so fast! I can’t believe how fast you are!”
Declan’s head tipped back to meet his shoulders as they scrunched up. His smile was from ear to ear and he squealed.
“I’m fast like a CHEETAH!” He shouted and ran away giggling.
Declan’s soccer buddy was right behind him, “See Declan? I can’t keep up! You are so FAST!”
A fading squeal could be heard as Declan dashed across the soccer field.
Yesterday we wrapped up another High-5 soccer season. Another season of Declan playing different activities with a soccer ball and having a BLAST!
He would play with cones, sharks and minnows, buddy bowling, red light, green light….all with a buddy who was making him feel like a million bucks.
I can’t say enough about the High-5 program. It is a free program to all players with special needs and is run by volunteers. Volunteers who organize all the activities based on the players abilities and come out to play with the players. Best of all, they make the players feel super special.
How awesome is that?
This is probably the best picture I got this season. Look at that smile!
And every session ends with a walk through the High-5 tunnel – smiles all around!!
Although he complains for having to sit to get a trophy (he would rather be playing) he loves his trophy and keeps them at home near his brothers.
And he gets his picture with his buddies that made him feel so special this season in play. They really are what makes this program so wonderful!
Declan was sad and cried yesterday, learning the season was coming to an end. But as we were leaving, a volunteer said goodbye and reminded Declan,
“See you next season!!”
And a smiling, trophy carrying little boy got in the car, excited to play again!
This is such a nice, uplifting post. The season must do him the world of good. Just proves what good people we have in this world. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much! Yes they are wonderful 🙂
Guess it proves that proves there are actually GOOD people out there! Hard to find during election time of year.
That’s true! 🙂
It’s so cool that you found this program. Is it local or do you need to travel for it?
It is just about 20-25 minutes away – so not bad at all. Really such a cool program! The guy who started it has a nephew with special needs – and so he put this program together. The first year there were only 6 players. This is the 6th year and there are over 100 players now. So cool!