Today Deb (from our Middleton branch) and I were so lucky to be able to participate in the Middleton leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for the World Special Olympics Games. We provided lunch to all the runners and athletes who were part of the Torch Run.
What an exciting event it was! How cool is it that Idaho is so fortunate to play host to all these wonderful people? What an opportunity to showcase our communities!
While we were there at the Middleton High School Gym, we were privileged to get to see one of our members honored. Eric Reed, the son of Gordon and Penny Reed, is so excited to represent Team USA at the 2009 World Winter Games. He has spent the last 15 years training and competing in floor hockey with Special Olympics Idaho.
Eric has attended all 12 years of school in Middleton graduating in 2003. He is a member of the Caldwell Wildcats Floor Hockey Unified team. A “Unified” team means the special need player has partners without special needs playing on the court with them. Eric’s sisters Chelsie Reed, Aeriann and her husband Kyle Keifer are Eric’s partners on the team. The team participated in the Special Olympics World Invitational Winter Games held in Boise last February (2008.) They took 1st place and brought home the gold medal qualifying them for this years’ event. The team is coached by Teri Elordi of Caldwell, with players from around the Treasure Valley.
It was truly humbling to hear the entire gym at Middleton High School chanting Eric’s name and cheering for him. Middleton Gazette’s Becky O’Meara asked him what today meant to him. “This is so special.” he responded. He was pretty emotional with all the attention, but loved every minute of it. All of us at Idadiv wish Eric the best of luck at the games! Bring home the gold!
On a side note, Idadiv would like to send a special “Thank You!” to Sandy, Angela, and the rest of the gang over at Subway in Middleton for their help with providing the runners lunch as well as Becky with the Middleton Gazette for her assistance in providing some information on Eric as well as pictures from today’s event.
