Introducing Scott Merrell and Calvin Chapman! Little did they know their love of Special Olympics would lead them to become great friends, encouraging each other to try new things, and be the best they can be.
Calvin grew up in Kingsbury and joined Special Olympics Southern California in 1989. Scott grew up in Orange County and joined Special Olympics in 1983. The two athletes did not meet each other until 2014 when they met at Orcutt Presbyterian Church. The two hit it off right away and have been best friends ever since.
Enter TJ Plaugher who befriended the athletes after meeting them at church and volunteered to drive them to practices, competitions, and events. He quickly realized the best way he could support his friends was to help coach them in sports. What a team they have become!
Both athletes enjoy being part of a team, learning different sports throughout the year, feeling respected, and oh yeah, winning medals. They stay motivated because of all the activities available to them and the support they feel from their families and their friend TJ.
Calvin competes in bocce, bowling, swimming, softball, and now golf. Scott competes in softball, bocce, golf, bowling, swimming, and floor hockey.
Summer Bowling season finished with a bang for our two athletes. Scott won the gold medal and Calvin the silver in the Santa Maria competition. Then it was on to the Southern California wide Championships in El Cajon. This was an exciting event with 450 bowlers. Here Scott earned silver and Calvin earned bronze in their division. If you ask them, winning medals is always great…but the trip to El Cajon, staying in the hotel, meeting athletes from across the area, and trying new food were highlights of the event as well!
This fall season, Scott and Calvin trained in softball and golf. This was Calvin’s first time participating in golf and Scott was by his side encouraging him. Not too long ago the roles were reversed, and Calvin encouraged Scott to take up bocce. That’s what great friends do for each other.
And it comes as no surprise that Calvin and Scott were successful at the Fall Games Championships in Fountain Valley. Their softball team played very well and often came from behind to become the “Comeback” team who beat 5 teams as they advanced to the medal round. The team won the silver medal demonstrating great teamwork and sportsmanship. The whole team was happy to see that all their hard work paid off.
Now, the Special Olympic Southern California athletes are headed into the winter training season to train and compete in Floorball. Scott is again trying a new sport and will be joined by his friend TJ who will be a new assistant coach for Scott’s team. Calvin will be sitting out this winter training season in anticipation of the very busy spring training season.
Special Olympics talks about changing the lives of athletes and often the families as well. This is particularly true for Scott and Calvin and their families…including TJ.
TJ says he has learned so much from his friends. When asked if it was hard to become a coach and what experience was needed, he talks about how easy it is to become an assistant coach. He gets to know the athletes and their personalities to make connections. And Special Olympics Southern California offers training for coaches to make it even easier. Coaches and volunteers are vital to the program being able to expand into new sports and serve more people with intellectual disabilities.
Robin and David, Scott’s family, see how truly happy and positive he is, and see growth and bravery in his personality. Scott says his mom always supports him by watching practices and attending competitions and it means a lot to him.
Scott is an advocate for himself and others with intellectual disabilities. He encourages everyone to come to an event or competition and learn more about the benefits of Special Olympics. In fact, Scott was asked to be a spokesperson at a local Kiwanis Club meeting.
Robin and David see the impact on their lives as well. They found a community of other families in the program. Not surprisingly, they are friends with Calvin’s sister Norene Nims.
Norene is so proud of Calvin and has seen growth in him with his “can do” attitude and willingness to try new things. She feels he enjoys teamwork, meeting new people, and feeling good about himself. She knows how much he likes to travel to competitions. They are making great memories of all that Calvin has accomplished and has yet to achieve.
Calvin and Scott are buddies who train together, share a love for being on a team, and enjoy all that Special Olympics has to offer including sports, social activities, health screenings, and of course the dances. Scott and Calvin encourage each other and most of all just have fun.
Can’t wait to see what 2024 brings for Scott and Calvin.