Journal photo by Jordan Wald.
By Rubin E. Grant
If Disney World is looking for someone new for one of its television commercials, perhaps they could consider The Exceptional Foundation volleyball team.
You probably have seen those commercials in the past when they interview famous athletes after they have just won a championship and ask them what they’re going to do next.
In the case of The Exceptional Foundation volleyball team, the dialogue could go something like this: “You’ve just won your fourth consecutive Special Olympics Alabama state championship, so what are you going to do next?”
The reply, “We’re going to Disney World.”
Well, not exactly, but the team might visit the home of Mickey Mouse during its weeklong stay in Orlando for 2022 Special Olympics USA Games June 5-12. The Exceptional Foundation volleyball team has been chosen to represent Alabama in the USA Games.
“This is a huge honor for our team and something that is not granted lightly,” said Robbie Lee, public relations director for The Exceptional Foundation, located in Homewood. “Our team has worked tirelessly and has won repeated gold medals at regional competitions in order to receive this distinction.
“The team has won four consecutive years in the state Special Olympics, but that’s not a guarantee to be selected because there are different divisions. But they earned it.”
Lee, who is also director of partnerships and outreach, coached the team for nine years before turning the reins over to Jon Perez, the current coach.
The team has 12 players ranging in age from the early 20s to the mid-40s with a mixture of men and women.
Players on the team are looking forward to their trip to Orlando to represent the state and compete.
“I’m excited to go to Orlando because it is going to be fun,” Seth Bokatzian said. “I hope we win, but the most important thing is to have fun.”
Ethan Keller wants to showcase what he does best on the court.
“I can’t wait to show everyone my serve,” Keller said. “I’m really good at it. I’ve practiced a lot.”
Merrill Ward is excited about going to the city where Disney World is located.
“Orlando is going to be fun,” Ward said. “I hope we get to see Mickey Mouse.”
The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games will unite more than 5,500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states and the Caribbean and 125,000 spectators during one of the country’s most cherished sporting events.
“It’s going to be fun, but we’re going to take it seriously,” said Ginny Bastar, The Exceptional Foundation’s vice president of operations and programs. “We’re going to have a great time, but we will compete. I hope we can bring home the gold.”
The Exceptional Foundation team departs for Orlando on June 4 and will be practicing weekly until then, oftentimes with the Mountain Brook High School volleyball team.
Mountain Brook coach Mattie Gardner said her team has enjoyed practicing with The Exceptional Foundation team.
“I think at first our girls were nervous about it because it was new people and a new situation,” Gardner said. “Their athletes are so kind and friendly. They said, ‘Let’s play.’
“It only took a little time before our players and theirs knew each other’s names and were having a blast. It’s been fun working with them and getting to know them.”
Gardner is excited that The Exceptional Foundation team will represent Alabama.
“It’s amazing that a local team is getting to play in a national tournament and be recognized nationally,” Gardner said. “I think they’ll have a good chance to win the gold. They can serve well and hit the ball back over the net.”
