Coach Gayle Watterson of the Calvert County Cheer and Dance team understands a core principle for building a fun, but still competitive, Special Olympics team – the key is not to focus on their disabilities, but to see what they can do, and what their potential is.

This cheerleading team is more than what it appears. These athletes are taught they are perfect the way they are and to revel in the acceptance and the friendships that come with working together toward a goal.

The team is made up of inclusion and able bodied team members, all coming together to do what they love and be able to be there for one another. Many parents on the team think of it as a life changing activity for their child.

Coach Gayle has been leading the team for 11 years and is energized every season by their spirit, effort and dedication. Many girls think of her as more than a coach, and more like a Mom. Gayle has accomplished this by making sure that everyone is included and respected, while also being responsible for doing their part…like a big, loving family.

This team can also bring it when they need to. They recently represented the USA National team at the International Cheer Unions World Championship.

"I feel very proud of them, to see them blossom with confidence" she reflected. "It feels good to win. They don't settle for less. When they go to competitions, they are serious minded."

Watch and see how this unique team blends together as one group, no matter what their abilities are, and are striving, supporting, and competing… together.

Follow the team on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ccsostarz/

Learn more at: https://www.specialolympics.org/

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