In typical New England fashion, the morning of Saturday's event was cast with a sky of clouds and a chill in the air, but as Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel walked down the path towards Veterans Field in Waltham, Mass., the weather was undermined by a sea of bright yellow and red.

The athletes dressed in red and volunteers in yellow were gearing up for 'A Special Day in Waltham.' A celebration of sports and the impact they make on everyone that plays them.

Almost 100 athletes were in attendance, and most of them were being introduced to the Special Olympics for the very first time. A mission Special Olympics Massachusetts CEO Mary McMahon set to accomplish with this event and many like it.

Most people only think of the organization's summer games when they think of the Special Olympics, but for McMahon and many other branch leaders, the objective to support and uplift their athletes is a consistent effort.

"We have a real perception problem. People only think of the summer games, but we offer programs all year round," said McMahon. "They come here and build relationships, they become family. Physically, emotionally, and mentally, it keeps them engaged."

The field was sectioned into seven areas for seven different sports. Fitness, home run derby, corn hole, football, soccer, frisbee and the 50-yard dash. Naturally, Vrabel decided to make his first stop at the fitness section, where he warmed up for the day with a little bit of dancing.

He fell into the role of coaching as he helped the athletes with their swing at the home run derby, making sure to give them pointers, cheering them on, and running the bases with them after knocking it out of the park.

"You just want to try to teach them the fundamentals of batting or throwing a football," said Vrabel. "If it helps them, great. If they have fun, that's the most important thing."

As Vrabel approached the football station, the sun began to peek through the clouds, and his competitive spirit emerged.

Neither he or the athletes let up as they locked in and even shared some trash talk. When it came time to go one-on-one, Vrabel did his best to not let anyone past the goal line.

For McMahon, it was refreshing to see such a genuine passion for the event and the athletes participating in them.

"His ability to engage with every level of athlete, that shows you somebody who's passionate about the mission," said McMahon.

For Vrabel, it served as a reminder of the moments in sport that matter most.

"We lose sight sometimes of what sports is about; it's about having fun," said Vrabel. "They understand the game, they understand the concepts and they just want to have a good time."

Saturday's event in Waltham wasn't the first time Vrabel was involved with the Special Olympics. He became immersed in the organization's mission during his time with the Tennessee Titans.

It was then he realized the true purpose of the events were to ensure everyone feels included and find fun in the world of sports, so he did just that. Pulling those in the back of the group to the front, making sure everyone has the best experience possible.

"When I first got involved with the Special Olympics in Tennessee, that's when I noticed. The competitors all encouraged each other. They wanted to make everybody feel like they were part of the team. I just try to do that when I come to their events."

With Vrabel in the driver's seat, Saturday's gathering was fueled by the spirit of one of the area's leading voices for athletes with disabilities.

Gabriel M. Vonleh was President and CEO of Opportunities for Inclusion. A non-profit organization that serves individuals with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities, frail elders, and their families in the greater Waltham area according to their website.

Before Vonleh passed away in 2024, he was heavily involved with Special Olympics Massachusetts in the time he spent serving the community. The event's opening ceremony, though covered with clouds, was bright with the sentiment of his memory.

As the event concluded, an unobstructed sun shined down on the athletes as they completed the final event: the 50-yard dash. It was the single event everyone gathered for as a group.

Each athlete, either by their own two feet or with the help of a friend, raced down the line of athletes and volunteers cheering them on towards the red ribbon finish line.

Over and over again, they willed themselves back to the start to get another chance at running as fast as they could. Facing the wind and enjoying the sun on their skin. It was like they never wanted the day to end while appreciating what the event truly was: A special day in Waltham.

DISCLAIMER: The views and thoughts expressed in this article are those of the writer and don't necessarily reflect those of the organization. Read Full Disclaimer