Heartwarming Special Olympics Medals Honor Legacy at GiGi’s Playhouse Madison’s 1st Ever Silly Olympics

We just have to share the heartwarming story of our incredible volunteer, Mary, and how she shared her love for our adult Down syndrome community. Mary is the amazing leader of our Fantastic Friends program, and she recently planned an event that truly captured the spirit of fun, friendship, and perseverance: the ‘Silly Olympics’!

Inspired by the 2024 Olympics, Mary put together a series of whimsical and hilarious games that had everyone laughing and stepping out of their comfort zones. We had friends trying to get a cookie from their forehead to their mouth without using their hands, waddling with a ball between their knees, shaking balls out of a box tied to their waist, and balancing a frisbee on a pool noodle while walking. It was pure joy and silliness all around!

From the moment the games began, the room was filled with laughter and cheers. Our friends gave it their all, working hard to complete each challenge. It was amazing to see them push themselves, support one another, and most importantly, have a blast doing it. The games might have been silly, but the determination and effort everyone put in were truly inspiring.

But the most beautiful part of the day was when Mary handed out the Special Olympics medals. These weren’t just any medals; they were the medals her brother, Rick, earned throughout his life. Rick, who passed away last summer, was a beloved member of our community and a dedicated athlete. By sharing his medals, Mary gave our friends a piece of Rick’s legacy, showing just how much love she has for them and how deeply she wants to keep her brother’s spirit alive.

As Mary placed each medal around the necks of our friends, you could see the pride and joy in their eyes. It was a deeply moving moment, reminding us all of the power of kindness, love, and the importance of cherishing memories. Rick’s spirit was undoubtedly with us that day, and his medals became a symbol of courage, determination, and the everlasting bond of family and community.

Mary’s generosity and dedication are a testament to the kind of person she is. Her love for our adult Down syndrome population shines through in everything she does. She brings creativity, enthusiasm, and a nurturing spirit to the Fantastic Friends program, ensuring that every event is special and meaningful. The Silly Olympics was just one example of how she goes above and beyond to make sure our friends have opportunities to learn, grow, and most importantly, have fun.

At GiGi’s Playhouse Madison, we are incredibly fortunate to have people like Mary as part of our family. Her efforts make a huge difference in the lives of our friends and their families, creating a space where everyone feels valued, supported, and loved. The Silly Olympics was more than just a fun day; it was a celebration of our community’s strength, resilience, and joy.

Mary’s act of sharing Rick’s medals was a beautiful way to honor his memory and show our friends just how amazing they are. It’s moments like these that remind us of the incredible power of community and the lasting impact of love and kindness. We are so grateful for Mary and all she does to make GiGi’s Playhouse a place of joy and inclusion.

So here’s to Mary, our Fantastic Friends, and the spirit of the Silly Olympics! Thank you for bringing so much love and laughter into our lives. We can’t wait to see what other wonderful adventures await us with Mary leading the way.