by Emmalee Antill

Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt, is the oath of the Special Olympics. Bravery and courage are qualities of every Special Olympics participant. No matter what place the athlete takes, every one of them is amazing.

Multi-gold Special Olympics champion Jeffery Hamilton, of Houma, works hard and plays hard. He currently works two jobs to assist him in his goal of paying off his home mortgage loan. After one more year of making payments, Hamilton is proud that he will officially be a homeowner. In his spare time Hamilton’s dedication to training has paid off. He has won gold medals in several Special Olympics events from track and field, softball and most recently bowling. When Hamilton is not working or training, he enjoys attending First Baptist Church.

Special Olympics has many of the same events as the Olympics including gymnastics, aquatics, volleyball and many others. “I love all sports,” Hamilton explains. Although he’s won many medals, winning is not his favorite part of the Special Olympics. Hamilton said that he just likes to meet new people.

Without two very special volunteers in Terrebonne Parish, Earline and Ronnie Lajaunie and other volunteers, the Special Olympics would not be possible. The retired couple got involved with the Special Olympics through the Houma Civitan Club. They volunteered for the Special Olympics and just kept helping.

Lovingly called mawmaw and pawpaw by Special Olympics participants, the Lajaunies make sure all the athletes in the area are well taken care of. They shuttle the athletes to various events and make sure all of their medical needs are met. Sometimes Ronnie Lajaunie will help the athletes train and even play a game with them. Although it’s a lot of work, Earline Lajaunie says, “We get more than we give.” Ronnie Lajaunie adds, “How could we not like it?” PoV