Tunes from the Key Largo Jam Band filled the air on May 21 for jam night at the American Legion Post 333. This was one of the more memorable jam nights, as proceeds from the weekly evenings of music supported local Special Olympics athletes who came back winners.
With medals draped around their necks, the uniformed athletes were invited by the Legion to enjoy a barbecue and be recognized for their recent success during the Special Olympics Florida State Summer Games. The athletes who make up the Treasure Village Montessori and Key Largo School track teams took center stage to resounding applause from the packed crowd.
“I’ll put these kids against anyone in the country. Look at their medals, look at their smiles,” said George Adrian, second vice commander for the legion. “These kids are awesome and they’re homegrown in the Florida Keys.”
Earlier in the month, Special Olympics athletes from Key Largo to Key West traveled to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando for the summer games. Thousands of athletes from across the Sunshine State competed in track and field, basketball, bocce, cycling, cheerleading and soccer. The games showed the strength, speed and unrivaled energy of athletes. ‘
Local athletes returned to the Keys with various medals. The KLS unified track team took gold in the 100 meter unified relay. KLS cheerleading and soccer teams also came back with gold medals.
The TVM Seadragons 4×100 meter team won gold. TVM’s Grayson Mack additionally secured the gold in the 100 meter dash. The Coral Shores unified basketball team took the gold, and Delilah Vila brought home the gold in bocce singles.
As the crowd showered athletes with applause, Adrian presented Special Olympics Monroe with a $2,500 check on behalf of the Legion. He said proceeds from jam night, held Thursday evenings and open to the public, go back to the community. Funds support everyone from veterans in need to children and first responders.
“This is because you patronize us; all you locals come here to jam night,” Adrian said to the crowd of attendees.
Coleman said the funds ensure athletes can continue to compete.
“Every bit helps, especially in times like these with prices going up,” she said. “Most of our budget is for travel.”
An additional $2,500 from the Legion went to support Special Olympics Florida.
Also in attendance was Jessica Moore, department commander for the Florida American Legion. A U.S. Navy veteran, Moore said the Special Olympics Florida is her charity of choice this year. As of May 18, the American Legion Department has raised more than $115,000.
