Emilio

The first time I met Emilio, he was hiding behind the bleachers on the grounds of the United States Military Academy at West Point. Emilio had entered his very first Special Olympics games, but was too scared to compete. I took Emilio aside and we talked, for what seemed like hours...Emilio had Down Syndrome, loved Pizza and the Yankees..(despite my best efforts to convince him that rooting for the evil empire....took your soul away !! ) I told Emilio we were looking for forwards on our Floor Hockey team, and maybe it would be less scary, competing on a team than all by himself in Track events.

Emilio took his place on the 3rd line, (my muckers and grinders...) and in his first game, got hit twice in the face with the puck, whacked in the shins by a stick and tripped and fell headlong into the wall....but at the end of the day...The smile on his face lit up the room..Emilio and I were friends, and player and coach for the next two years...But that day, in that place....all was right in the world. Mrs Shriver....you made that possible. Rest in Peace!!