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Jason Hedrick to compete in national Special Olympics
By Derek Hodges
When the torch is lit at the first U.S. National Special Olympics games Sunday, Jackson County’s Jason Hedrick will be there. He’ll also be there when the flame is extinguished, hopefully with a little hardware dangling around his neck.
Hedrick has been chosen to represent the county in the first-ever event Sunday through Friday, July 2-7, in Ames, Iowa.
Jason Hedrick, left, will be Jackson County’s first participant in the United States National Special Olympics games. Hedrick, who was trained by his mother, Pat Beasley, center, coordinator of Jackson County Special Olympics, and Jackson County Recreation and Parks Department Assistant Director Rusty Ellis, assistant JCSO coordinator, will compete in three races Wednesday and Thursday, July 5-6, in Ames, Iowa. – Herald photo by Derek Hodges
According to Hedrick’s mother, Pat Beasley, who also coordinates Jackson County Special Olympics, Hedrick was selected for the competition based on his performance at the regional games in Andrews and his scores from qualifying events for the state games. While he prefers golf, Hedrick will compete in track events, which have netted him several medals in the past.
“There’s going to be a lot of fun going on there,” Hedrick said. “I’m going to win.”
The excitement will begin Friday, when Hedrick and other North Carolina athletes gather in Raleigh for a kick-off party.
Saturday morning Hedrick will take to the skies from Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Being an Olympian, he’ll fly in style. He and the other athletes will be flown into Ames aboard privately-owned Cessna Citation aircraft. Hedrick will travel in a plane owned by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
“The Special Olympics Web site says it’s one of the largest private airlifts in history, so it should be really impressive,” Beasley said.
Local Special Olympian Jason Hedrick has been chosen for the United States’ first national Special Olympics games. Hedrick will travel to Ames, Iowa, Friday, June 30, for the competition.
Special Olympics officials expect one plane to be landing or taking off every 60-90 seconds, bringing in more than 3,500 athletes. Athletes’ families who attend the games will have to travel separately, Beasley said.
“It’s an opportunity to let the athletes have some freedom to be themselves, said Jackson County Recreation and Parks Department Assistant Director and Special Olympics assistant coordinator Rusty Ellis. “It’s about individuality.”
It seems that time for the athletes to be themselves may be important for Hedrick. While he says he’s most excited about seeing all his Special Olympics friends at the event, he can be a little shy around his mom, Beasley said.
Though Beasley appreciates the opportunity it gives Hedrick to have fun with his friends, she’s a little apprehensive.
“I know he’ll enjoy it, and it’s a great chance for him to build those friendships, but it’ll be tough to say ‘good bye’ Friday night,” Beasley said. “There are a lot of things the athletes have to be able to handle on their own. During the games he can come watch events with his family if he wants to, though.”
The separation is orchestrated, like every other part of the event, to make the experience the best it can be for the athletes, Beasley said.
“The thing that’s really outstanding to me is it’s not just about athletics,” she said.
Ellis agreed.
“It may seem like something small to us, but it can mean everything to the athletes,” Ellis said.
After Hedrick reunites with old friends and makes some new ones, it’ll be time to get down to business. Hedrick will lace up his lucky new gold shoes to run in the 100 meter, 200 meter and 4x100 meter relay. He foresees no trouble competing against his buddies on the track.
“I can run against my friends, yeah,” Hedrick said.
Ellis and Beasley have faith in Hedrick’s fast feet, too.
“Jason is the man,” Ellis said. “I think he’ll do very well in Ames. He’s a very athletic person and he’s got a good head on his shoulders.”
“I think Jason’s going to do great,” Beasley said. “I think he’s really going to shine in Ames.”
While Jason and his supporters will carry visions of gold throughout the games, they’ll keep in mind the Special Olympics motto, “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
It won’t just be those in Ames cheering for Hedrick, he will have a host of supporters back home, too. Western Carolina University athletes have helped him train, while community members have supported his fund-raising efforts. Hedrick found sponsors to pay him for reading books and mowed grass to raise spending cash for the trip.
“It’s amazing the way people in this community have helped us out,” Beasley said. “We really appreciate the Western athletes that helped with training.”
Hedrick is proud to represent his county at the national games, but there is at least one other Jackson County Olympian he’d like to see in Ames. He and fellow athlete Katie McLaughlin have formed a special relationship.
“She’s my girlfriend,” Hedrick said.
“Jason, I can’t believe you told that, Katie will be so happy,” Beasley said.
With any luck McLaughlin won’t be the only one with something to celebrate when Hedrick returns from Ames.
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