Written by: Amanda Church

The LIFE Force Special Olympics athletes were filled with excitement as they were shipping up their way to Boston to compete in the 2023 Summer Games.

The entire LIFE team and their coaches made their way by two school buses Friday night to Harvard University, where they took part in the Parade of Athletes at Opening Ceremonies and high-fived every Law Enforcement Torch Run police officer as they marched in to the song Larger Than LIFE by the Back Street Boys. It was an awesome way to start off  Summer Games!

DAY 1: Bright and early Saturday, the Summer Games competition began for the LIFE Force swimming, track and field, and tennis teams. Everybody was excited and ready to show off their amazing speed on the track, court, and pool. The atmosphere at all three sites was electric and very exciting as every fan, coach, and volunteer were cheering on all the athletes to the finish line and wall.  The LIFE Force team took pride in watching and cheering on other athletes as they went to the awards tent to see their teammates received their medals and rewards. LIFE values and demonstrates good sportsmanship on and off the playing field.

Saturday Night, we had a very cool theme for the Summer Games Dance at Boston University. Everybody dressed up in old school style clothing and danced to songs ranging from Elvis songs to songs from the movie Grease. Everyone had a blast dancing and being together and, most importantly, having fun.

DAY 2: Sunday's Summer Games competition was fierce and very competitive. The LIFE Force track and field 4 by 100 relay team set the bar high, as they set a new record finishing time of 55.80.  These athletes included Garett K, Jimmy K, Isaac W, and Luke A. They took home the Gold Medal and made history on the same day!

The LIFE Force Swim Team also set the bar high as they had two separate relay teams both did an outstanding job working together as a team. The 4 by 50 relay team won Gold, those athletes include myself, Jill Connel, Sara Lynn, and Matt Oremland. In the 4 by 25 Relay LIFE Force took home the Bronze Medal. Those athletes included Julia Simpson, Abby T, David C, and Olivia R.   The Tennis Team also finished strong and gained huge momentum.   The Life Force Tennis players that participated at Summer Games were Liz Dale, Anna Robertson, Amelia B, Kevin L and Sara D.

Everyone on LIFE Force came home with Gold, Silver, Bronze or other awards and they were all happy with what they achieved at Summer Games. We could not have been so successful without the help of all our brilliant LIFE Force coach's - Ian, Kim, MO, Justin Christen, Catherine, and Kristy and Susan N.

We had another very Successful Summer Games and are already looking forward to competing again next year.