Storm Special Olympics athletes Darren Brown and Sarah Burrill were among 30 participants selected to attend the “All Abilities Football Camp,” hosted by the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on Sept. 22.
Ten of the athletes chosen were randomly selected by Special Olympics Kansas. They joined athletes from Special Olympics Missouri and YMCA of Greater Kansas City. The athletes participated in the experience from 5-8 p.m. and were joined by Kansas City Cheerleaders, KC Wolf, Kansas City Glory women’s tackle football players, and a few of the Kansas City Chiefs players.
Amanda Hammond, Storm Local Program Coordinator, accompanied the Storm athletes, along with several of their family members. Hammond said the event was well-organized, and she was impressed by the visual impact it had on the Storm Team members.
“For Sarah and Darren, neither one of them had even been to Arrowhead Stadium before, so naturally, they were awestruck and excited at first, just by walking from the tunnel onto the field.” explained Hammond. “At the end, they both said this was the coolest experience they’ve ever had. They were having a great time interacting with the other athletes as well as all the staff, cheerleaders and Glory and Chiefs players. Of course, they enjoyed KC Wolf, who’s always hyping up everyone.”
Hammond described the football camp activities: Athletes first lined up with Chiefs Cheerleaders and KC Wolf to do stretches and warm-ups. Then they split into three groups to do drills involving foot work, defense, and passing. The drills were led by the Kansas City Glory players with a few of the Kansas City Chiefs players.
Each group got to participate in all three drills. Players then participated in a flag-grabbing game. Afterward, they gathered for group photos and then each athlete received their official NFL Chiefs jersey. They were then allowed to collect autographs and pick up their swag bags, which were full of Chiefs souvenirs.
“To see this event in person, is truly exceptional,” explained Hammond. ““Watching their excitement and anticipation, and seeing them successfully complete the drills, is something I will always remember. Some of the activities required a great deal of concentration, coordination, and physical effort. Sarah and Darren were proud of what they accomplished because they pushed themselves and had fun doing it. It was rewarding to witness their achievements in such a remarkable setting, and I’m grateful I had the opportunity to be part of that experience.”