From The Parking Lot To The Podium: A community’s unwavering love that helped a special needs son move from the parking lot of a community centre to the international podium

Almost non-verbal, with very little comprehension ability and Ernest cannot tell you, I am hungry, or The shoe is too tight. Teaching him is usually tough, and takes a lot of time, energy, and of course, love.With the challenges he faces, this young man, who was once very afraid of water and who often has a hard time understanding concepts such as ‘passing other competitors’ or ‘winning’ in a race was chosen twice to the Special Olympic World Game in two different sports. To everyone’s delight and surprise, he came back with medals in both World Games.This is a story of love. It is also a story about difficulties, frustration, tears-but also how they can be overcome with determine heart. This is our family’s story of how an entire community’s love and God’s blessings helped to raise a Special Olympian, transforming him from a boy who was too afraid of leaving the parking lot and entering a sports complex into an athlete celebrating on the international podium. God has used Ernest to show that He has the power to use anyone-everyone- to show His hope and miracle.We hope that our story about achieving the unthinkable and receiving abundant blessings can be an inspiration to you. We hope it will bring you a smile and encourage you to move forward regardless of your life situation. In HIM.