Today’s Star Tribune has a not-overly-sentimental look at adapted high school sports in Minnesota. An officially recognized and sanctioned sport complete with varsity letters and tournaments, adapted sports allows kids with physical and cognitive disabilities to compete in softball, field hockey, and a few other games. I’ve known a couple kids who’ve been involved in adapted sports and their level of passion rivals that of any able-bodied player. I also like the fact that it’s not sport disguised as a self-esteem builder. There are winners and losers, as with any sport.
I saw The Lion King at the Orpheum last night. It was a magnificent performance. Before the show, I wondered if the puppetry aspects of the show might seem artificial, but my sense of disbelief was effectively suspended. The show’s designers and actors deserve a lot of praise for creating such a thoroughly enchanting world on-stage. It’s hard not to be impressed when a couple giraffes lope across the stage. There were times during the show when it felt like I couldn’t possibly absorb everything that was taking place in front of me.
And I continue to love how I can walk out my door and have all these experiences available to me.
