September 29, 2009
Special softball game was a ball
Troy Landreville, Langley Advance
You would be hard pressed to find a better ambassador for Community Living Day or Special Olympics than Jamie Schell.
The longtime Langley Special Olympian's animated enthusiasm was on clear display throughout the community celebration's annual softball game involving local media, RCMP and SO athletes Saturday at Douglas Park.
At the pitcher's position, Jamie happily pumped his fist after causing Langley Advance editor Bob Groeneveld to swing-and-miss the ball; he raised his arms triumphantly after the final out of an inning; he hustled around the bases as hard as he possibly could; and after rounding home plate and scoring a run for his team, he fell to his knees, cheering gleefully.
Jamie Schell raised his arms in celebration during Saturday's softball game at Douglas Park.
The annual game involves both Langley newspapers, RCMP members, and a host of local politicians including MP Mark Warawa, MLAs Rich Coleman and Mary Polak, and mayors Peter Fassbender (City) and Rick Green (Township). The real stars, however, were the players from North Langley Challenger Baseball and Langley Special Olympics.
No score was kept during the game, which epitomized what the day was all about - inclusion.
"It's all about community," Langley Special Olympics coach Tony Loynton said. "It's working really well, and the RCMP and the media have a good time doing it. I know I do."
"Some of the athletes are pretty competitive: Jamie for instance," Loynton added, "but he also has fun and that's the key, right there. Everybody having fun."
As always, inclusion was the theme of Community Living Day which this year marked the Langley Association of Community Living's 50th year in Langley, and the third anniversary of You've Gotta Have Friends in this area.
tlandreville@langleyadvance.com
