News : For Special Olympics benefit riders, the athletes are the biggest inspiration

Special Olympians inspire many with their humor and triumphant spirit.

While the participants in the annual Vinton-Shellsburg United Special Olympics Benefit Ride share a love of the road and the time they spend riding with friends and family, it’s the Special Olympians that provide the biggest motivation.

“My passion for helping with this fund-raising event came after volunteering at a state VSU Olympic event,” says Jessica Good, a regular participant in the annual ride, which will take place again Aug. 22.

“The look on the athletes’ faces when getting ready for a race is absolutely priceless,” says Good. “The excitement the athlete holds when he or she comes back with a blue ribbon is even more miraculous. These kids, as every kid, should have the opportunity to compete and shine in events they are passionate about. This once-a-year fundraiser gives our VSU kids this opportunity.”

Good says her favorite memories of recent rides include seeing the smiling faces of the youngsters as they ride, or even simply sit on, a motorcycle, for a photograph.

“One of my favorite memories is be the excitement from John Larkin after his first ride with Michael Kramer,” recalls Good. “The kids love it.”

Another rider who returns year after year is Todd Pattee, who has shared his bike with many Special Olympians.

“The kids are my inspiration,” says Pattee. “And the parents – they do so much with just day-to-day living than most people would ever realize, and things that most would take for granted can be a daily struggle for these kids and families. But they do it out of love.”

Meeting these children and their parents inspires Pattee to “try and be a better person, and to just enjoy life.”

Along with the things he has seen at the annual rides, Pattee was also impressed with the recent community effort to help the Lane family purchase a special needs bicycle trailer for Ryan. “The but the day so many came together with donations so that Ryan could get his bike is one of the moments I remember most,” he says. “Ryan, he's always got a smile, even when he's in pain, and a passion for life that helps him overcome pain that would cause others to not even get out of bed. And he just deals with it somehow. He and his parents, Dan and Michele, are amazing.”

Another Special Olympian that brings a smile to everyone’s face, says Pattee, is Zach Kramer, the son of Mike Kramer and Kris Kramer.

“He's always good for making everyone laugh” says Pattee. “Even if you're having a bad day, Zack can always make you smile.”

Like the scores of other riders who plan to gather at the Ron-Da-Voo at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22, Pattee says what he looks forward to the most is seeing the smiles on the faces of kids like Ryan, John and Zach.

“I've met so many of them through this ride, and each of these unique young people are amazing. They truly are special individuals,” says Pattee.

See the event’s Facebook page, with details about the ride and the raffle, HERE.