Participants and volunteers for Extraordinary Kicks
Also an instructor in MSU’s Department of Communication, Knight suggested Ward create a sports event for children with special needs because no such program existed in the local area. “I told her I wished there were something my son Cameron could participate in where he could be honored, recognized and told ‘great job,’” Knight said, explaining that her son has a rare genetic disorder that causes neuromuscular problems, epilepsy and myopathy. “Cameron gets muscle fatigue very quickly and has poor coordination, causing him to miss out on playing traditional sports.” Knight’s idea sparked a fire in Ward to provide a chance for kids with special needs to experience being on a competitive team. She also wanted to give their parents the experience of watching and cheering for their children from the sidelines. Extraordinary Kicks was born and ultimately resulted in a free soccer event for kids with physical or intellectual disabilities in the spring of 2019. Ward took part of the activity’s name from Knight, who had previously created Extraordinary Kids, an online support group for parents of children with special needs. “I hope this forms another community in Starkville where parents can find a support system and a way for their children to interact since there are no other places except school,” Ward said. “They shouldn’t be limited.” Ward set up and organized everything from registration forms to advertising with help from not only Knight, but also No Limitations, a special needs organization based in Waco, Texas. Hosted and sponsored by the Starkville Sportsplex, the Extraordinary Kicks event had enough funds to provide each of the 12 participants with jerseys and personalized trophies.
Bully made a special appearance during halftime, and Ward said the program not only gave children the chance to interact but taught them better communication and teamwork skills. “I was very overwhelmed in the beginning because I had no idea where to start. A woman with No Limitations helped me with the logistics and was kind enough to send a care package before the event,” Ward said. “As far as taking care of each child’s particular needs, I was glad to have Amy Knight and my mom there for advice, since my mom teaches special needs children.” “I’m just glad parents participated, and their kids enjoyed it. At the end, one of the kids was crying—not because anything bad happened, but because he didn’t want to leave,” Ward said. Knight said Ward was one of the most influential leaders in the Lambda Sigma honor society, and recognized Ward’s “big” motivation to serve others. She said Ward exhibits the maturity, foresight and skills of a servant leader. “I can’t say enough wonderful things about Taylor’s heart and effort. I am extraordinarily proud of her, and she did a fabulous job,” Knight said. “Cameron has already asked me when he can play soccer again. He had such a wonderful time.” For her efforts creating Extraordinary Kicks, Ward’s MLP peers voted her event as the best project. She also was recognized with a leadership award and earned scholarships through her work with MLP. “I am an introvert and not one to take charge, but I’m glad I followed through with this program because it taught me so much about myself and gave me confidence to lead,” Ward said. Ward wants this event to continue in Starkville after she graduates in May 2020 and hopes it grows into a permanent league offering additional sports such as cheerleading and football.
COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES | VISION 2020
8
