More than 600 special kids enjoyed a very special day Thursday at The Villages Polo Fields.
The special needs children from Marion, Lake and Sumter counties included those with learning disabilities, physical handicaps and autism.The annual event is sponsored by Special Kids Inc.
As the busloads of children stepped out at the polo fields, there were grins from ear to ear. They passed through the Villages Cheerleaders lineup all smiles as the Cheerleaders welcomed them.
The Villages Streetrods Club had more than 40 golf carts lined up and waiting to take the children on the ride of their life. As they were loaded into the front and backs of the golf carts there were smiles and waves from all as they pulled out.
After the golf cart ride they were dropped off at a golf driving range set up and loaded with volunteers from all parts of The Villages and beyond. Many children were about to hit golf balls (tennis balls) for the first time in their lives. Each child was helped by a volunteer who coached the child on how to hold a club and how to swing. Sometimes it was hard for the volunteer to get the child to let the next child come to the range as they were having so much fun. A hit on the driving range was “Velcro Guy” played by Michael Lassen of the Village of Amelia. He let the children hit Velcro balls at him, and if they hit him it stuck to his suit. The lines were long for Velcro Guy.
After the golf cart ride and the driving range, more than 300 pizzas were waiting for them. However, most showed more interest in another golf cart ride than eating.
