Happiness in What They Can Do

The other competitors soon take their final bow, and it's time for the Special Olympics athletes to perform the cha-cha. While everyone lines up and gets ready to go back onto the floor, Keilani Stolk, another volunteer, excitedly describes the feeling of dancing with the Special Olympics athletes. "It's not about how good you are; it's about having fun and being friends." In Special Olympics, there are no winners and losers, only athletes trying their best and having fun.

Richard, a past member of the BYU ballroom touring team, adds, "It is so rare to have an event where you just care how everyone else is doing. I just want everyone to have fun and to do well."

Under the bright lights these special dancers spin, twirl, and cha-cha to a chorus of cheers and claps from the crowd. It is clear from the smiles on their faces and the enthusiasm they show in their dance that, for these dancers, having fun and supporting each other is the goal.

"The athletes just have the most wonderful spirit about them," Allie says, watching from the sidelines as her students perform. "Instead of focusing on those things they can't do, they come and have so much happiness in the things they can do."

Looking back on her experience, Allie knows that she has been blessed. Beginning a Special Olympics ballroom event allowed her to help her sisters, helped her move forward on her own goals, and strengthened her understanding of God's love. Watching her students take their final bow, Allie says, "The athletes' love for life is such a testimony to me of the purity and goodness that can exist in the world. They give so freely of their own love to everyone. I know that Heavenly Father loves them."

Cassidy Edgington is learning to ballroom dance with her volunteer partner, Richard Davis, a past member of the BYU ballroom touring team, as they get ready for their performance at a Special Olympics ballroom dance event.

Dance partners practice their routines. (Top) Couples join together for a group bow after their performance. (Bottom) The Special Olympians show off their trophies. (Far right) Allie Edgington has an arm around each of her sisters, Courtney and Cassidy. (Inset) Their brother Tanner. Allie's siblings were her inspiration for the event.

Photographs courtesy of the Academy Park Ward.