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ANGELS IN OUR MIDST
PENSACOLA, FL - There are lots of civic, social and sports activities that our children can get involved with these days.
But, many times, children with disabilities aren't included or welcomed to participate.
That's why some youngsters and their families are cheering the efforts of an angel in our midst.
National champions, you're done.
"I've cheered since I was three," Amanda Smith said.
23-year-old Amanda Smith knows the confidence and camraderie you build by being part of a team. It's a feeling she believes every child should be able to experience. Amanda formed the Love Brids squad at the Flip Factory five months ago.
Heather maxwell, Love Birds member's aunt; she is non-verbal. So, it's not, other than a special needs squad, this is where she fits in. She feels at home.
The love birds have varying degrees of disabilities but amanda only focuses on their can-do spirit. Like any other team, she encourages them to excel.
Amanda smith, Love Birds coach: "i want them to be as involved as any other kid. I want them to have self confidence to know that they can get up in front of a crowd, no matter how large and be themselves and be proud of what they can do."
Erin mclain, Love Birds cheerleader; "oh, it's totally awesome."
Three, four, stand up, five, six, seven, eight, hole on from you. Five, six, seven, eight....
Are you scared when they hold you up in the air? Oh, no.
The squad seems to actually enjoy every new challenge. Amanda opens up a world of opportunity and they seem ready to just walk right through that door.
Seven, eight. Roll. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight. Aaaah!
"Words almost can't explain it," Heather said. "Especially for children with any special needs, but especially being non-verbal, you have to do so much to get that reaction."
"With all of our other squads, there's always one or two who are just horrified to go out there," amanda said. "And these kids are all just excited, they're like, i just can't wait for everybody to see me."
It is her acceptance and patience that helps build that self-esteem. Amanda's commitment is not lost on her team.
"Well, she's cute, funny and she's a pretty smart coach," Erin said.
Amanda, "These kids just make me smile. They make me happy. I know they feel like I do something great for them, but they do something great for me too."
Erin, "Oh, yes, very special to me."
Yes, but it takes a special lady with a special commitment to give everyone something to cheer about.
Flip Factory All Stars, our reign has begun. National champions, you're done. Good job guys.
There is "no" charge for children to participate in the Lovebirds.
Your child can join by calling the Flip Factory at 969-9111.
But, many times, children with disabilities aren't included or welcomed to participate.
That's why some youngsters and their families are cheering the efforts of an angel in our midst.
National champions, you're done.
"I've cheered since I was three," Amanda Smith said.
23-year-old Amanda Smith knows the confidence and camraderie you build by being part of a team. It's a feeling she believes every child should be able to experience. Amanda formed the Love Brids squad at the Flip Factory five months ago.
Heather maxwell, Love Birds member's aunt; she is non-verbal. So, it's not, other than a special needs squad, this is where she fits in. She feels at home.
The love birds have varying degrees of disabilities but amanda only focuses on their can-do spirit. Like any other team, she encourages them to excel.
Amanda smith, Love Birds coach: "i want them to be as involved as any other kid. I want them to have self confidence to know that they can get up in front of a crowd, no matter how large and be themselves and be proud of what they can do."
Erin mclain, Love Birds cheerleader; "oh, it's totally awesome."
Three, four, stand up, five, six, seven, eight, hole on from you. Five, six, seven, eight....
Are you scared when they hold you up in the air? Oh, no.
The squad seems to actually enjoy every new challenge. Amanda opens up a world of opportunity and they seem ready to just walk right through that door.
Seven, eight. Roll. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight. Aaaah!
"Words almost can't explain it," Heather said. "Especially for children with any special needs, but especially being non-verbal, you have to do so much to get that reaction."
"With all of our other squads, there's always one or two who are just horrified to go out there," amanda said. "And these kids are all just excited, they're like, i just can't wait for everybody to see me."
It is her acceptance and patience that helps build that self-esteem. Amanda's commitment is not lost on her team.
"Well, she's cute, funny and she's a pretty smart coach," Erin said.
Amanda, "These kids just make me smile. They make me happy. I know they feel like I do something great for them, but they do something great for me too."
Erin, "Oh, yes, very special to me."
Yes, but it takes a special lady with a special commitment to give everyone something to cheer about.
Flip Factory All Stars, our reign has begun. National champions, you're done. Good job guys.
There is "no" charge for children to participate in the Lovebirds.
Your child can join by calling the Flip Factory at 969-9111.
ANGELS IN OUR MIDST ENTRY FORM
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