What makes an athlete inspirational? Their attitude? The progress they make in mastering their sport? Their determination? It’s any one of these things – and more. 

Two of our DDRC Therapeutic Learning Connections/Recreation (TLC/Rec) athletes who compete in Special Olympics Flag Football were chosen as the most inspirational players and received awards from Special Olympics at the state competition in November ’23, and the team as a whole took home the gold. Flag Football is played as a unified sport – with players with disabilities (athletes) and without disabilities (partners).

The two awarded athletes have been competing with DDRC’s TLC/Rec for many years. It’s clear from their smiles shown here that they genuinely love playing their sport!

DDRC TLC teams are active in various team and individual Special Olympics competitions, and in 2024 there were also more victories across several sports.

Winning is great, but TLC Recreation also fosters friendships, learning about teamwork, developing confidence, and appreciating everyone on the team! TLC’s Recreation program gives athletes a chance to be active in the community, develop skills that are helpful on and off the field, feel proud of their efforts— and be inspiring!

If you want to get involved call Terri Hulstrom at 720-544-8152 or Cathe Shreck 720-544-8150.