Pocono News Section

Rolling Inspiration in the Poconos

Rolling Inspiration in the Poconos - Monday, May 19, 2008 at 3:55PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Monday, May 19, 2008 @ 03:55pm EST
MILFORD, PIKE COUNTY - Almost 300 athletes competed in the Special Olympics in Pike County Monday. The event was held at Delaware Valley High School.

When Sebrina Hulcher took her place to start the fifty meter wheelchair race, she had already claimed on blue ribbon, for the fifty meter slalom.

She was itching for another but knew it wouldn't come easy.

Rain early in the day had soaked the rack.

But Hulcher rolled on. She didn't think about her legs, motionless from Cerebral Palsy or the cold wind, stinging her face. She thought about finishing the race.

Sebrina crossed the finish line, second.

She was tired, but happy.

"We beat the rain and the clouds and the sun, at least we got it done," she said.

For Sebrina getting it done is just as important as getting in first. Doctors diagnosed her illness when she was two years old. As a toddler she got around in a walker.

"I've overcome a lot of obstacles and I'm sure I have a lot more to overcome," she said.

She told WBRE News the Special Olympics help her prove to herself that she can meet her goals and overcome whatever life throws her way - whether that's a rain soaked track - or a tough visit to the doctor.

She said, "I'm just a normal person. I'm just trying to live a normal life like everybody else."

It was the second year for the Special Olympics at Delaware Valley High School. Many of the athletes who competed there will move on to the 2008 summer games next month at Penn State University.