In typical New England fashion, the morning of Saturday's event was cast with a sky of clouds and a chill in the air, but as Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel walked down the path towards Veterans Field in Waltham, Mass., the weather was undermined by a sea of bright yellow and red.
The athletes dressed in red and volunteers in yellow were gearing up for 'A Special Day in Waltham.' A celebration of sports and the impact they make on everyone that plays them.
Almost 100 athletes were in attendance, and most of them were being introduced to the Special Olympics for the very first time. A mission Special Olympics Massachusetts CEO Mary McMahon set to accomplish with this event and many like it.
Most people only think of the organization's summer games when they think of the Special Olympics, but for McMahon and many other branch leaders, the objective to support and uplift their athletes is a consistent effort.
"We have a real perception problem. People only think of the summer games, but we offer programs all year round," said McMahon. "They come here and build relationships, they become family. Physically, emotionally, and mentally, it keeps them engaged."
The field was sectioned into seven areas for seven different sports. Fitness, home run derby, corn hole, football, soccer, frisbee and the 50-yard dash. Naturally, Vrabel decided to make his first stop at the fitness section, where he warmed up for the day with a little bit of dancing.