Our Ellen was born with intellectual challenges. She functions very well and is independent in most areas for which we are thankful. One thing she always said she wanted to be was a cheerleader. I was puzzled as to how that could ever be.....until we heard about United Disabilities Services Challenger Football and Cheering! That was how many years ago?? Not certain but I think it's 10. She LOVES this. It's the highlight of her year!
Saturday, October 6, was the awards banquet to honor our kids. Every year I'm trying to hold back tears (of pride, of gratitude, of joy...) and every year I am not successful :)
There's always a slide show of highlights from the year. Ellen loves seeing pictures of herself on the big screen!
The room was filled with enthusiastic participants and family!
(Calvary Church, all the games are played there in the gym)
Our Ellen with her good friend, Nicole.
Ellen wears her Eagle's championship shirt to bug Coach Randy, who's a big Cowboy's fan :))
Look at all those gift baskets!! Tickets were purchased in hopes to win one or more of them.....we didn't get any again this year. That's ok, lots of money was raised to support this fabulous program.
Our girl getting her trophy and certificate.
She's one happy girl!!
Coaches are recognized for their tremendous contributions.....
Jen, program director, thanks each one.
This year was the first induction into the UDS Hall of Fame....
Chuckie Magee ❤️❤️❤️
Chuckie passed away several years ago.....but he is never forgotten. He is so missed by all who knew him. His parents are very involved in this program, his dad is a coach. His mom and dad support this and many organizations for those with challenges and individuals in need. His sister was the first cheering coach.
This honor for their special son was a complete surprise to them. And many a tear was shed.....proud onlookers included!
Now our girl eagerly awaits August 2019 when she gets to cheer again. Thank you , UDS, for making a way for our girl to live her dream......when there was no way!
8 comments:
I think it is fantastic that Ellen gets to live her dream and gets to cheer....I can always tell by the smile on her face, what a good time she is having.
It always warms my heart to hear of programs like this for your sweet Ellen and her friends. Thanks for sharing.
Best,
Bonnie
Doris, Please tell Ellen , I think she looks so cute with her trophy and certificate. So proud of her. This sounds like a wonderful organization . It's good exercise and developing social skills. Blessings to all, xoxo, Susie
LOVE it!! Love her! Love you! This is such a success story on every level.
Kudos to Ellen and her fellow cheerleaders and also to all the coaches and others who help Ellen and others realize their cheerleading dreams.
What a wonderful program. I know it blesses the leaders as well as the participants. I love the pic of Ellen with her certificate!
A great program and I am thankful Ellen gets to participate in something she loves. I'll be here to cheer her on in 2019, it'll be here before we know it. Have a blessed and beautiful Fall day dear Doris, HUGS!
Great program. Beautiful pictures . I presume these are old pictures but lovely all.
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