NFL, Texans host event for local Special Olympic athletes

HOUSTON – Olympians are in Houston for the Super Bowl!

Special Olympics Texas and the Houston Texans teamed up for a football clinic and scrimmage at the NFL Experience inside the George R. Brown Convention Center Friday.

Mimi Orsot brought her 13-year-old granddaughter Gabby, who is a Special Olympian.

"This is great -- just experiences that we wouldn't otherwise have if they didn't do something like this,” Orsot said. “And the opportunities for the children are just great."

Special Olympians from Houston got a chance to play flag football as part of the NFL’s effort to promote fitness and wellness by getting kids to get active for at least 60 minutes a day.

Texans offensive tackle David Quessenberry has had his own challenges as he fought cancer. He was on the field supporting the Special Olympians.

"We all have our own things we (have to deal with) and it's important to give support to these kids and come out here and have some fun today, Quessenberry said. “We're here in Houston and we've got a lot of talented football players and want to come out here and have some fun with these kids and run around and have some fun."

All of the athletes tried different skills.

In the end, the success was counted in smiles.

“Thank you. And thank you so much for helping our children. And we so appreciate having you help our children," Orsot said.


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