It may be hard to believe, but there are a group of students who enjoy going to school on Saturdays.

For the various members of the Norris Special Olympics (NSO) team, ranging in age from eight to 20, Saturday is a day to have fun and play.

"Special Olympics is good," said Jacob Zinnecker, 12, of Martell. "I like playing basketball, I like the competition, I like making baskets and I like making friends."

Those thoughts were repeated by many of the NSO athletes. For some, it’s just being able to play ball rather than warming a bench for a club team.

"I’ve been playing basketball since I was 6," said NSO athlete BJ Gould, 14, of Hickman. "I’m really good at basketball and like to always be in the game. I’m almost able to dunk."

The NSO team is coached by Larry and Debbie Crippen, of Hickman. The couple started the program years ago when their son, Caleb wanted to get involved. Debbie said she has been involved with the Norris program off and on since 1996, but has been responsible for running the program full-time since 2004.

"The athletes may have different disabilities," Crippen said, "but when families come to practices or events everyone is on the same level. Special Olympics peels away the veil that society casts over these kids. Many have social dysfunctions or other issues, but everyone accepts them for themselves. Parents can just cheer for and encourage their kids."

During a recent Saturday practice, while the NSO athletes were sharpening their skills, their parents had fun chatting with each other and watching the action.

Lyn Seiser, of Panama, said it’s almost like the Special Olympics were tailor-made for her daughter.

"We noticed she would be sitting on the bench a lot for the YMCA team," Seiser said. "That was sad, because Taryn is big into basketball, track and gymnastics. She is a great shot, but just doesn’t care about some of the rules."

With the NSO program, Taryn gets to play and develops several skills at the same time.

"The Special Olympics is all about respect and tolerance, dignity and enjoying the sport and having fun," said Terrie Spohn, of Firth. "You can really see how some of the kids have really grown through the program."

The parents all agreed they enjoyed being in an atmosphere where their children are cheered and encouraged, even by the "opposing" teams’ parents.

"The great thing about Special Olympics is everyone’s a t-ball coach at heart," Seiser said. "Everybody is a winner. It’s all about playing the game and having fun."

That’s the message NSO veteran Aaron Drury, 20, likes to impart to new teammates. Drury has been part of the Special Olympics since he was eight, having played with a Lincoln team before the Norris team was started.

"The Special Olympics motto is, ‘Let me win, but if I can’t, let me be brave in the attempt,’" Drury said. "The NSO didn’t get started right away, it took awhile to get the word out, but now we are growing and getting more recognition. During the pep rallies, they introduce the team. The NSO team has been good for Norris athletics."

Aaron’s mother, Teri, is a teacher at the elementary school. She said they try to promote the team through the Thursday news packet that is sent out to the parents, through the special education teachers and through publicity the NSO team receives in the Voice news.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for kids that don’t shine in the classroom," Teri said. "Special Olympics is great because any child with an IEP (individual education plan) can participate and the school district has been great about supporting the program."

And while the families that are involved in the program love it, the parents said it has been tough getting some of the eligible families to participate.

"The team could be bigger, but it’s not easy to get all of the families involved," said Ardi Kempkes, of Panama. "Some do not want their child labeled."

Which is sad, said Seiser. Special Olympics is all about letting your kids excel and have fun.

"It’s nice to be part of a program that lets any kid play," Seiser said. "Where before Taryn was sitting on the bench, here, she’s a winner."

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