BY MICHELE MILLER
What’s What New Port Richey
April 5, 2022
The clouds had been building all morning but the sun could not have been shining any brighter than Gia Zappa’s smile as she crossed the finish line at the Chasco Fiesta 2022 Special Olympics Race for Inclusion held on April 2 at the New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatics Center.
The admirable feat was heartily celebrated by those gathered at the finish, including members of the Pasco Mustangs Competitive Cheer Team who were doling out beads and medals as well as Gia’s dad, Tyler, and her stepmom, Jackie, who were flanking their daughter during this inspiring and memorable moment.
Gia, 12, suffered a traumatic brain injury five years ago. She is homeschooled and has enjoyed competing in races before, her parents said, but then COVID-19 shut down competitive events two years ago.
“This is the first time she was able to walk across the finish line,” Jackie said, adding, “We’re happy to see things starting up again.”
That the event happened at all is nothing short of a miracle boosted by community goodwill and much-needed funding, said Joeyn Dearsman, one of two sports managers overseeing Special Olympics for Pasco County Schools.
“The Race for Inclusion is definitely a huge event – a community awareness event that helps get people involved while promoting inclusion,” she said.
About 77 athletes were preregistered for the Inclusion Run, with close to 100 total showing up the day of the event. Typically it brings in 250-300 athletes each year and is a major fundraiser for local athletes and future events, Joeyn Dearsman said, noting that summer games, typically held at schools on the west and east side of Pasco County, had also been canceled due to COVID.
Athletes Megan Stiller, Vicki Cramblet, Elaine Lobianco and Michelle Glaze, who gathered at the finishing line to cheer those finishing the 5K before embarking on the 1-mile walk, said they were excited about competing again.
“I love everything about it,” said Michelle Glaze who attends the Open Door School and also competes in bocce. “It gets your body going. You stay healthier.”
Volunteers who donate their time throughout the year to coach, chaperone, or just show up to assist for one day, are what help fuel and sustain Special Olympic offerings and events that include the upcoming Area 5 Games on April 9 at Cypress Creek High in Wesley Chapel and the Special Olympic USA Games held June 5-12 in Orlando.
PHOTO | MICHELE MILLER
Sandi Kelleher, who coaches adults in the Pasco Mustangs, said they always welcome new athletes
“We take whoever wants to sign up,” she said. “We need to grow more – get more girls and boys, too.”
Sponsorships and donations are an integral part of funding Special Olympic events and athletes, some of who might go on to compete further, including a big delegation that is headed to Orlando for the state games.
Unfortunately, donations have waned some during the pandemic.
John Gilliss, owner of Friendly KIA in New Port Richey, stepped up as the presenting sponsor for the Race for Inclusion after hearing about the event from Eileen DiBrizzi, who works as a transitional assistant for adult special needs students at Wendell Krinn Technical High School.
He said he was inspired in part by the brilliance and humor of his girlfriend’s daughter who has cerebral palsy.
“We have been fortunate in a crazy economy,” said John Gilliss, who has also sponsored the annual KIA Fest Main Street Blast held annually just prior to the July 4 holiday, as well as other local events.
“It’s great to be here,” he said, noting the logo on the back of the medals presented to all athletes. “This is something they will have forever. That will last forever.”
Jolé Hope, 16, was more than happy to get her medal courtesy of Angel Cook, a former Queen Chasco who learned about the services of the non-profit Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind during her one-year-reign. Now she volunteers to work with clients like Jolé.
“This is her first 5K and I have a feeling this isn’t her last,” Angel said.
“It was wonderful,” said Jolé, who notes basketball, pilates and warrior boxing as her athletic passions. “I was really motivated. I’ll be back.”
- Are you motivated to help? Special Olympics Pasco is always in need of coaches to help train athletes throughout the year and volunteers to help with ongoing services and special events.
- For information on how to sign up as a volunteer or donate, go to www.specialolympics.org/programs/united-states/florida.
- For information on Special Olympics Florida/Pasco, click here.
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Great article and wonderful photographs capturing the essence of special Olympics thank you