The Biggie

Each year in the month of May Bakersfield hosts "The Biggie", which is a large Special Olympics event. It is held at North High School and athletes compete in tennis, boccie ball and basketball. This year teams came from North Santa Barbara County and Santa Clarita County to take on the Olympians from Kern County. My day was spent at the tennis courts rooting on all of the competitors, but especially the Kern County Crushers! The teams competed in singles and doubles. There is also a "skills" court for those who are not quite up to playing a match. Bob worked very hard getting this event organized so that it would run smoothly and everyone would have a great time. Judging from the feedback I heard and from the smiles on the athletes faces I think he suceeded.


As much fun as it is to watch the matches I think the highlight of the day is the prize court. They cover the court with donated prizes, such as stuffed animals, t-shirts, hats and visors. The coaches feed balls to the athletes and they hit the ball over the net. Whatever prize they hit, they win! They LOVE it, and most went home with an armful of loot. They also go home with a medal or a ribbon, so everyone is a winner. This is a great event and we are proud to be a part of it.

Setting up the prize court.

Coach Bob giving instructions for the prize court.

Lined up and ready to win their goodies.

Waiting to receive their medals.

Dalton and his brother.

Anita, Renee and Erica.

Robin (aka Pinky) with her pink rabbit and her other booty.

Ben and his dad showing me his "Herbie the Love Bug" car which is, according to his dad, the actual, genuine Herbie.