EMOTIONAL GOODBYE
Dixon coaches for final time as Monroe County brings home the hardware from Special Olympics Fall State Games
J.W. COOKE Keys Citizen
The goodbyes were a bit more emotional for the Monroe County athletes as they departed yet another successful Special Olympics Fall Classic — returning home with four golds, two silvers, and a bronze medal — it was the final time it would be with coach and volunteer Connor Dixon, a senior at Coral Shores High who took the phrase “Choose To Include” to another level amongst the peers in his community.
“This quote seems so simple but I’ve learned it can make a difference in someone’s world,” Dixon posted on Facebook following the state games. “Being a part of Special Olympics Florida for almost 10 years I’ve learned so much but the main takeaway I’ve had, is to include everyone. I’ve seen 1 catch, 1 flag pull, and 1 play change someone’s life. These moments might be little to most people but for the kids that aren’t given the opportunity, this means the world. I’ve helped create a
More GOODBYE | C8
Connor Dixon, left, stands with the Coral Shores Unified Flag Football team.
PHOTO PROVIDED
from C7
program that has impacted many lives and I would give the world just to know that someone hopes to continue on with the program and simply ‘Choose To Include.’” In his final time coaching the Coral Shores High Unified Flag Football team, Dixon led the Hurricanes to a bronze medal, while also on the gridiron the Key Largo squad took silver and the Key West Conchs continued their steak of gold medals.
In powerlifting, Coral Shores’ Gordon had plenty to celebrate winning gold in the deadlifting while
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The Key Largo Flag Football team gives a thanks to Ocean Reef for the support.
Coach Erin Hamilton stands with Heyden.
PHOTOS PROVIDED
from C8 the Upper Keys’ Heyden claimed silver in the Combo 3 category. Also throwing around the weight, Marathon High’s Cindy and Alex were able to put gold around their necks in the Combo 2.
Apart of the pickleball state debut, the Unified Doubles team of Michal and Flory won their way to the gold, with Kenny placing fourth in the skills competition.
“It was an amazing weekend,” said Monroe County Special Olympics Florida, Manager, Sports Training and Competition Director Ruth Coleman, noting the Inspirational Athlete from Monroe County was Coral Shores’ Gordon, the partner Lucas, from Coral Shores, and the coach Angel Torres, from the Key West Conchs flag football team, an honor Dixon has already received as well as the coach of the year honors for the county.
“This was by far one of my favorite events of all time,” said Dixon. “Having a team that builds and grows together truly means the world and the impact that this group of guys have on everything is amazing. The support from everyone all over never goes unnoticed and we truly couldn’t do it without the backing we’ve gained in the past couple of years.”
jwcooke@keysnews.com
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The Key West Conchs flag football team celebrates with the squad they defeated from Miami-Dade after the championship game.
PHOTO PROVIDED
The Key Largo flag football team waits for their game.
The Key Largo Flag Football team collects its silver medals.
The Coral Shores flag football team, with coach Connor Dixon on the left, stand with their bronze medals.
