“Let Me Be Brave in the Attempt” – Special Olympics Oath
On Thursday, June 4, the riders of Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center in Perkasie, PA came to the 46th Annual Special Olympics at Penn State with one thought in mind:
“Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
Ivy Hill marched into Medlar Field with athletes and coaches from every county in Pennsylvania under the Bucks County flag. Ivy Hill was one of only two therapeutic riding programs representing Bucks County, among the 20 therapeutic equestrian teams entered for competition statewide.
“We are so proud of our riders, their hard work and dedication, and their enthusiasm,” said Program Director and Special Olympics coach Megan Hance.
“This is such a special moment for them, and for all of us.”
Nineteen riders, accompanied by a team of staff, coaches and volunteers, competed in 70 classes on five horses on Friday and Saturday. Their Olympic medal tally told the tale of their individual and collective determination: 18 Gold, 17 Silver and 13 Bronze medals.
Special Olympics Pennsylvania Summer Games are held each year at Penn State University in State College. The event brings together over 2,000 athletes and 750 coaches from across the state – the largest event of the year. Summer Games features three days of intense competition in aquatics, athletics, basketball, bowling, equestrian dressage, equitation and trail riding, golf, gymnastics, softball and tennis. Every race, every game, every competition held at Summer Games represents many weeks of training, preparation and dedication on the part of athletes, coaches and volunteers.
Since 1999, Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center has been providing equine-assisted activities and therapies for special needs children and adults in Bucks, Montgomery, Lehigh and Philadelphia counties. The Center’s riders have been competing in the State Games since 2004.
The mission of Ivy Hill Foundation is to utilize the equine experience in building pathways for personal growth, in strengthening supporting relationships and in broadening community involvement for individuals with special needs. Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center is located at 1811 Mill Road in Perkasie. To sponsor a horse or a rider, to make a donation or for more information, visit our website at www.ivyhillequestrian.org.