School Games 2015

This has been a big week for the Geylings and school sports. Max’s HS LaX team began pre-season practice yesterday with a scrimmage and Max came home so pumped about being out on the field again, his cross-training plan for the winter and the new 9th grade players who are interested in playing!! He so genuinely enjoys hockey and LaX and takes great delight in not only the sport but also the people with whom he plays…it’s fun to watch. Olivia continued her X-Country winning streak with a win at her last two meets. She’s fun to watch too…all giggly and chatty with the other girls on her team in the minutes leading up to the race but then it’s “down to business” once she steps up to the starting line and her quiet determination quickly becomes her focus. Her last meet of the season is in two weeks at Elings Park…with lots of hills! As team mascot, Rudy’s responsibilities include fist-pumping all the GV runners before each race. It takes him awhile to warm up to everyone but by the end of the last meet, he was double fist-bumping everyone.

Olivia's XC win in the 1.75mi. — Olivia’s XC win in the 1.75mi with team mascot Rudy…

...and the 2.0 mile! (with youth pastor and friend Aaron) — …and the 2.0 mile! (with youth pastor and friend Aaron)

Yesterday was also the annual Soccer School Games sponsored by the Special Olympics of Southern California. Rudy attended this event with his special ed classmates for the first time last year and was, shall we say, less than enthusiastic about participating…

Rudy's passive aggressive refusal to play in 20014!! — Rudy’s passive aggressive refusal to play in 2014!!

As a result, Miss A., nurse Sara and I did not have super high expectations about his participation level this year…even Coach Galvan (Adaptive PE teacher) had a “plan B” strategy in mind to get Rudy out on the field if needed. The frustrating thing is that in APE class and at recess, Rudy is all about playing soccer but when it comes to the big, organized events, he’d rather not. Ha Ha

Let the 2015 Soccer School Games begin!!

One of many fields!! It was so great to see so many schools participating...a real Special Ed community building event for sure!!! — One of many fields!! It was so great to see so many schools participating…a real Special Ed community building event for sure!!!

Rudy started out slow all by himself at the kick ball diamond... — Rudy starting out slow all by himself at the kick ball diamond…

Discussing "the plan" with Coach Galvan... — Discussing “the plan” with Coach Galvan…

Warming up with volunteer Spencer... — Warming up with volunteer Spencer…

Having fun at the skills test course... — Having fun at the skills test station…

Checking out the game in progress with nurse Sara from the sideline... — Checking out the game in progress with nurse Sara from the sideline…

Making his way into the pack with Spencer and Sara... — Making his way into the pack with Spencer and Sara…

And again in Game 2 with Mama and Miss Tanya... — And again in Game 2 with Mama and Miss Tanya…

Rudy rushing the goal (what?!)...during half time!! — Rudy rushing the goal (what?!)…during half time!!

Not that it's all about the goals...but here's the final score! Way to go Mountain View cougars!! — Not that it’s all about the goals…but here’s the final score! Way to go Mountain View cougars!!

Rudy's ribbon presentation! — Rudy’s ribbon presentation!

Rudy definitely exceeded our expectations and, most importantly, had fun! And for me, it’s always an amazing sight to see so many people working so hard together to create a memory-making experience for these very special kids in our community. A big thanks to the Special Olympics of Southern CA, the local school districts, special ed teachers & volunteers, nurse Sara and coaches Galvan & Tanya for making it all happen! Until next year…