“It feels like I’m soaring in the air glorifying the Lord,” Strines said after Friday’s event at the Eagle City Soccer Complex.
The event is held in partnership with the Springfield Thunder and Special Olympics/Developmental Disabilities of Clark County. About 45 players competed in the three games that serve as the unofficial kickoff to the Thunder’s Springfield of Dreams Charity Cup tournament this weekend.
“This is their social contact. They love it. The people are wonderful,” said Karen Strines, Kyle’s grandmother. “They started as little kids and they were a scream watching them tackling each other, running the wrong way or carrying the ball. They got the hang of it, they know how to play the game and they enjoy it.”
The highlight is when the youngest kids end the tournament with breakaway goals and perform a mandatory dance. The smiles are as wide as the goal posts from those in attendance, ranging from the players, family members, friends and volunteers.
“The kids really enjoy it. They all play and they all put a lot of effort out,” said Andy Irick, a Rotary member and past president. “Even over that two weeks from the first practice to tonight, you can see them change and get more comfortable. Tonight they’ll really get excited.”
Players go through a two-week practice schedule led by Thunder coach Tony Cooper. He treats the Dream players as if they’re on his Thunder roster and demands three things – everybody plays, give maximum effort and have fun.
“I think it’s a way for the club to give back a little bit. To me it’s all about teamwork and being part of something,” Cooper said. “Everybody in life has adversity. You do what you have to with the skill sets you have. It’s a way for people to come out and be part of something.”
The event has served as a family reunion of sorts for those who may not see each other until next year’s tournament. At least six of this year’s players have participated in all 12 events.
“It’s a nice support group, especially for the older kids to meet each other,” said Kathy Duffin, who represents the Developmental Disabilities of Clark County. “When we first started the group of parents didn’t know each other and know they look forward to seeing each other. It really has been a nice connection.”
All participants receive a trophy and a Columbus Crew drawstring bag with a new soccer ball inside. The event is free to participants and registration usually starts in January.
“What’s amazing is all those kids that stayed with us the 12 years and how they look forward to it. That’s pretty special,” Duffin said.
“We’ve been very impressed not only with the kids, but with their parents as well with their dedication to bringing the kids to the National Trail Soccer complex,” said Bonita Heeg, the Rotary’s Executive Director for Services to People with Disabilities. “They are a real good group and they look forward to this every year.”
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