The residents of Park Summit Senior Living in Coral Springs, FL, love that one of their favorite servers is a champion in more ways than one. In addition to bringing smiles to the faces of the residents she serves, Kellie Matthew is also competing in the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy, March 8-15.
Established in 1968, the Special Olympics help differently-abled athletes find joy, confidence, and fulfillment on the playing field and in life. This year, the winter portion of the Special Olympics will feature traditional winter sports like hockey, skating, and alpine skiing, the last of which is Kellie’s passion.
Kellie has been competing in the Special Olympics since she was nine, and takes great pride in her accomplishments and ability to try new things. You may be wondering how an athlete learned to ski in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (current temperature: not snowing), and the answer is adaptation. As Jim Stratton of Special Olympics Florida explains:
“Athletes learn to ski using all of the equipment (skis, boots, etc.) for half of the training session. Coaches set up a mock slope using black plastic and then soak the plastic with Dawn detergent and water. Athletes “ski” down this slope. They also maneuver through cones to simulate the gates on the mountains. They fall down on slanted ground and learn how to get up in the proper direction. For the second half of the practice, they use roller blades to skate through a series of cones (simulating the gates on a ski slope).”
Brock Banos, Head of Delegation for Special Olympics USA says, “Attending [the Special Olympics] World Games is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these athletes… and is the culmination of years of hard work, determination, and commitment. In addition to competing on the world stage, they will experience new cultures, creating countless memories and lifelong friendships.
The Park Summit Senior Living community loves their Olympic competitor, and celebrated Kellie Matthew Day on February 25th. The celebration featured a photo opportunity with Kellie, guest speakers, music, Kellie’s favorite foods, and more. And the residents were ready to give their server a pep rally. “Kellie is absolutely awesome! I am so proud of her!” says Joyce, a resident. Another, Dianne, adds, “Kellie is a wonderful young woman who deserves to win the Gold!”
Kellie’s performance at the games will be watched with excitement, and we can’t wait to hear about her adventures. Kellie herself adds, “I like working with my other dining room servers, and being able to treat the residents like family. I like working here.”
Go for the Gold, Kellie!
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