Valley Special Olympian brings back three silvers

March 16, 2007

By SHARON G. McBRIDE

Frontiersman

MAT-SU - Inspiring greatness is what the Alaska Special Olympics is all about. But for a local Special Olympian, that's just the frosting on the cake and her cross country skis.

The Winter Games were last weekend in Anchorage, and Krystina Collins from Palmer skied away with not one, but three silver medals in the 25-meter, the 50-meter and the 100-meter cross country ski races.

But it's about more than just about winning or the competition. Collins said she really enjoys participating because it's an opportunity to hang out with friends while doing something she truly enjoys.

&#8220It's so much fun,” Krystina said. &#8220I like my coach and being with my friends.”

Her mother, Layne Collins, agrees.

&#8220We enjoy the friendships that we make,” her mother said. &#8220It's an important part of our life. Most of Krystina's closest friends are fellow athletes. Many of her happiest times are when she is participating in special activities through the program.”

That's because the program goes beyond just sports; there are parties, picnics, dances, weekend and overnight excursions, and fund-raisers to attend. There's never an opportunity to sit at home and be bored. There's always something going on. There's always someone to talk to, for both parents and children. For example, Layne said, sometimes they just go out to lunch.

&#8220It's great as a parent, because other parents understand and relate to our difficulties,” said Layne. &#8220I've learned that everyone has problems with their kids. It's part of everyday life with a special needs child.

&#8220No matter how bad you think you've got it, there's always lots of people around whose disabilities or medical issues are more severe, so you are always thankful and never have time to feel sorry for yourself.”

Not that Krystina would do that anyway, she said, she's too busy training, competing and having fun.

For example, she just went on an overnight trip with her buddies to Talkeetna - courtesy of the Special Olympics.

&#8220We went snowmachining, dog sledding, and I went on a train for the very first time,” Krystina said.

There's always something going on, she said.

Training has started for the summer games, and the program is looking for volunteers and volunteer coaches. Without a solid volunteer program and donations, Layne said, a lot of these activities wouldn't be possible.

Mat-Su Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and competition to 159 Valley athletes who range in ages from 8 to 76. Donations help fund equipment, uniforms and training facilities rental fees.

&#8220If you want to get a clue about life and have a blast doing it - volunteer,” Layne said.

For more information on volunteering or to make a donation, interested persons can contact Cindy Dutton at 376-3420 or Layne Collins at 746-4924.

Contact Sharon G. McBride at 352-2250 or sharon.mcbride@frontiersman.com.