Talent, dedication, and determination. For over five decades, Special Olympics has provided an incredible platform for athletes with disabilities to showcase their skills. Eunice Kennedy Shriver founded the world's largest athletic organization on July 20, 1968, to create "a new world of inclusion and community, where everyone is accepted and welcomed, regardless of ability or disability." And the Boerne Blaze makes that happen right here at home.
Since 2008, Jenny Cashion has been the Head of Delegation for Boerne Blaze, the local Special Olympics chapter. Her vision is equally committed to the parent organization's aspirations and the local athletes' dreams. Cashion explains, "Sports training and competition are vehicles to promote sportsmanship and teamwork, foster confidence and independence, and encourage friendship and pride."
In 2004, Cashion's journey with Special Olympics began when her son, Adam, was involved in sports outside the Blaze. Initially, she was unsure if it would fit him well. “I was resistant to Special Olympics,” she shares, “because Adam was on another swim team, and I wanted to keep him in regular sports." This personal struggle and eventual acceptance of Special Olympics is a testament to the organization's transformative power.
Cashion—a physical therapist by trade—eventually moved Adam to the Blaze and pursued certification in coaching swimming and basketball. The chapter only offered track and bowling when Adam started in 2004. Since then, the group has grown significantly and now supports more than 80 athletes in 11 sports led by 20 coaches. Cashion credits this growth to the dedication and hard work of the local supporters of Special Olympics.
All 80 Boerne Blaze athletes, including swimmers Alexa Boehm and Rebecca Stone, are living testaments to the transformative power of Special Olympics. Their commitment to the hard work required of their respective sports is a shining example of resilience and determination.
While she has always enjoyed being in a pool, Rebecca Stone started swimming competitively after trying out for the Blaze in 2019. Stone is a natural in aquatics, and she especially appreciates the Boerne Blaze community. "I like to swim and compete for medals,” she says. “I like that the team is one big family."
Assistant coach Kendall Leininger influenced Stone's work ethic and commitment to continually progressing. "My strength is that I always want to improve," Stone explains. "I like to go on YouTube to see how other swimmers do their movements, like the flip turn, so that I can do the same."
Alexa “Lexi” Boehm started swimming when she was thirteen. "I started taking swim lessons, and as I began to learn the butterfly, we realized I could swim pretty fast," the 19-year-old recounts. Like Stone, she is equally enthusiastic about her chosen sport and team. "I like winning races. It's fun to race across the pool and win," she beams. "It's fun seeing my teammates at practice and hanging out at the state meet."
Boehm also shares a tenacious spirit in her swimming. Asked about her strength as a teammate, she responds, "My ability to practice, even when I don't want to. Also, my ability to race at swim meets, even if I have an injury." Like her teammate, Boehm finds inspiration from others, pointing out, "My parents are my role models. They inspire me because they always show me love and help me get to practice and swim meets."
Their diligence and commitment to swimming have resulted in numerous awards for both athletes. Stone has collected gold and silver medals from district and state competitions, the Elizabeth Hernandez Spirit Award in May 2023 (Local Special Olympics), and the Most Inspirational Athlete Award of 2023 (Texas State Special Olympics). In honor of her achievements, Stone served as the Grand Marshal of Boerne’s Christmas Parade in 2023.
Boehm's efforts, too, have been recognized. Over the past few years, she’s won 16 gold medals at the regional swim meets and 12 gold medals at the state level. She sees no end to her swimming career anytime soon. "I plan to swim and compete forever since there is no age limit for the Special Olympics," Boehm says. "Also, I plan to work with my parents and some friends and volunteer when I can."
The Boerne Blaze swim team currently practices in an aging, undersized pool, but Cashion is working with the Boerne Aquaplex's Board of Directors to raise funds for an updated facility. All athletes need our support, Cashion emphasizes. "The expectations are just like any other athlete. They work hard. We expect everyone to do their best at their level."
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“I started taking swim lessons... as I began to learn, we realized I could swim pretty fast. I like winning races. It's fun to race across the pool and win.” —Alexa “Lexi” Boehm