Patrick Hardin

My mom was a Special Education teacher for 25+ years and throughout my childhood I was constantly surrounded by students with unique challenges to learning. Being surrounded by my mom, her colleagues, and her students I was able to see firsthand the impact that we can make to improve the students experiences and prospects for a fruitful future filled with joy and acheiving the goals the students set out for themselves.

Later in life I met a wonderful girl that was a social worker. She spent her days managing the staffs of multiple homes for adults with developmental disabilities.  She had long days (and nights), but when she would share the stories of her clients she would light up, and I could hear about all the great things they were doing and the happy moments of their lives.  That wonderful girl is now my wife of 5 years.

Being connected to this cause throughout my life has shown me how individuals doing small things for other people can bring immense satisfaction in the lives of others.  While, my calling in life was not to become a teacher or a social worker like my mom or wife, this event lets me participate in a sport that was a big part of my entire life, while raising awareness (and money) for people with Down's Syndrome and their families.  Hopefully the money raised here can make a small difference in the lives of these families and give them opportunities and joy that my mom and wife brought to her kids/clients each day throughout their careers.