From the ridiculous to the sublime… that is sometimes how we roll!!
A few weeks ago, Cailyn’s Auntie Corinne organized an introductory “sitting volleyball” session, which was sponsored by the KW Predators Volleyball Club. Cailyn didn’t really want to participate, but she did, and admitted that it had been a lot of fun. Volleyball has never been one of Cailyn’s ‘things’, because without depth perception due to her double vision, it is quite difficult for her to determine where the ball is.
Knowing her love for being on a team, and her acknowledging that sitting volleyball could be fun, I signed her up to participate in the “Sitting Volleyball” competition at the ParaSport winter Games in Brantford last weekend. These Games promote public awareness of para-sports and showcase Ontario’s best athletes.
Cailyn and I had the most exceptional weekend together, in the company of some very talented athletes – not only from Ontario. Cailyn had 3 current members of Canada’s National Sitting Volleyball Team in her group of eight (the other 3 teams had national representation too). These men and women are skilled, competitive and fun-loving, and showcased the sport beautifully.
Cailyn had some wonderful moments on the court across the two days. Her team got her in to every set, and were tremendously supportive and congratulatory – “high-fiving” when she had success serving or making contact with the ball – a most positive team experience for her.
During one of the matches, I was helping with the 3-ball system. Cailyn had just successfully served her second serve in a row and her team-mates were all giving her high-fives. I was so focused on trying to get Cailyn’s attention after her serving “run” was over, that I had to be reminded to toss the ball to the next server. Whoops!!
Cailyn shared this experience with one of her dear friends, Amanda. They were the youngest participants with a disability. At the end of the competition, the girls were presented with volleyballs that were signed by every national team athlete, past and present, at the competition. Cailyn was truly shocked and touched by this gesture… these wonderful athletes with great character were acknowledging her courage to participate. Wow!
Driving to Brantford on Friday, Cailyn clearly expressed that she was very nervous and really didn’t want to participate. I totally got it. She knew she didn’t have strong skills and she also knew that the participants were all adults and that they would have more skill than she had… I have to admit I wouldn’t have wanted to go either. Regardless, she went and participated as fully as she could. On the way home from Brantford, we discussed the amazing reward she received as a result of taking the risk to participate.
Amazing week-end with wonderful memories. Thank you to everyone who contributed, with special gratitude to her teammates pictured below!
