Special Olympics Guilford/Greensboro Cowboys Softball Team

The silver medals won by the Special Olympics Guilford/Greensboro Cowboys at the 2009 Special Olympics North Carolina Summer Games in Raleigh on June 7 shone just as bright as gold to the 11 members of the team.  These teammates have been playing together for 15 years, but this was without a doubt, one of their finest moments.  The pride was evident on their faces as they accepted their medals in their brand new uniforms.

The softball season was one full of struggle.  The squad was already adjusting to the news they no longer had a home field in Greensboro on which to practice or play due to construction in the area.  Then the real tragedy struck. 

Late in February, a fire destroyed Coach John Stone’s home, barn and property.  It claimed his beloved pets and leveled the house that had been in his family for years.  He lost everything he owned.  Stone, a Special Olympics basketball and softball coach, stored all his teams’ uniforms and equipment at his house and all of it went up in flames.

“It was a traumatic time,” said Charyl Clark, Special Olympics Guilford/Greensboro local coordinator.  “It was devastating for the Stone’s and for the athletes. But John is so dedicated to the athletes he never missed a beat.”

Stone never missed a practice, and Special Olympics immediately set out to help raise the funds that were needed to replace the uniforms and equipment.  A firstgiving.com fundraising Web page was created and began generating support from the community.  The softball team’s needs were the main priority with $3,000 as the fundraising goal.

“The team really struggled to stay positive about softball,” said Clark. “But when the donations started to come in, you could feel a renewed spirit and energy take hold.”

A Special Olympics Guilford/Greensboro parent told the devastating story to a vice president with the Greater Greensboro Community Foundation and within a few days Clark had a check for $2,265, the balance remaining on their goal. 

“It was amazing,” said Clark. “Their generosity really showed the team that Greensboro cares about them.  When they found out we had enough to get everything replaced, they were so uplifted.  It really gave the team an added confidence and pride when they took the field.  You literally could feel it.”

All the Foundation asked for in return was a photo of the team.  It’s said a picture is worth a thousand words; but in this case, the photo is worth much, much more! 

Special Thanks to the Greater Greensboro Community Foundation and all the individuals who supported this team’s comeback!

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