REXBURG– Chad and Diane Blythe are the parents of 21-year-old Logan Blythe, who has Down syndrome and autism.
The Blythes say their son inspired them to get involved in the special needs community in Idaho Falls, and now, the two coach a Special Olympics team, the Idaho Falls Pirates. They are also on the team’s management committee.
Chad and Diane say they have learned a lot from the team while coaching, including learning the love languages of the participants.
“Learning the different love languages that these adults have: the hugs, my gosh, so many hugs from all the participants too,” Diane said.
Chad has enjoyed watching the bonds form between teammates.
“Let’s say, for instance, somebody gets upset or has their feelings hurt. Half the team will gather together and give them a hug, so it is really cool to see how they have a sense of community within themselves,” Chad said.
The couple said the team is also getting involved in the East Idaho community and includes all who want to participate, no matter their cognitive ability.
The community has been supportive in return.
“One of the women on our team, we called out in the middle of the grocery store, because she had just won a bronze medal the week before. We shouted it out across the store and everybody in the store that heard it stopped and applauded her,” Chad said.
Chad describes the team as “awesome.”
To get involved in Special Olympics in Idaho there are volunteer opportunities or you can donate to the cause through the annual Toyota truck raffle.
To learn more about Special Olympics in Idaho or to volunteer, visit the Special Olympics Idaho website.