This was the first year we have allowed Brett to do flag football. Risk of head trauma is concerning, and especially when you have a neurodivergent brain. But, together with the fact that Brett has more self-preservation skills than some boys I know 😉, we expected that the unified Special Olympics would provide a safe(r) and fun option for Brett. A unified sport through the Special Olympics is a sport where nondisabled athletes play alongside athletes with disabilities. The unified athletes participate to empower all athletes to develop skill, compete, and have fun! In flag football, a team has five players on the field - three athletes and two unified athletes.
In reference to my previous post about having competitive enthusiasm, I must say that all of our experiences thus far with the Special Olympics have delivered. It is clear everyone at the competitions wants to win. And everyone wants athletes to have a great experience. The motto for the Special Olympics is "Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." It is a competitive and uplifting atmosphere.
So, here is Brett's highlight video. He helped me put it together and he is very proud of it!
Notice that Brett got to be #4 for his namesake! He is by far the youngest and least experienced player on the team, and his team embraced his youth and energy. At the area competition, his team finished 2nd, and at the state competition, they finished 4th. Brett caught a pass to make a touchdown and I will eternally regret that I missed capturing it. Brett really enjoyed flag football!
