By: Nicole Laidlaw

Bernice "Bernie" Smith, 4-years old, was born 10 weeks premature. From the time she was born, she underwent 20 episodes of cardiac arrest and multiple heart surgeries within 24 hours. Doctors didn't think she would make it past that day.

However, Bernie, four years later, was playing with other children with similar intellectual disabilities at the Young Athletes^TM Program during the 2012 State Winter Games. More than 10 young athletes from Area 2 (Leelanau, Antrim, Grand Traverse, Benzie and Kalkaska Counties) came to participate in the program at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa Tuesday, Feb. 7.

Missy Smith, Bernie's mother, said this was her first time hearing about this program. She talked about the difficulties of finding parents that "get you" when you have a child with an intellectual disability. The Young Athletes^TM Program is a great way for parents to connect with each other and to get a little break in the day. It also allows children to get involved and engaged in Special Olympics at a young age before they can compete in competitions at age eight.

Missy said, "It is such a great connection for parents in our community."

Through Missy's difficulty with her daughter's struggles so early on, she was introduced by the hospital staff to a mother by who also had a child with a similar disability. Heidi Mueller has a son with Down syndrome, 5-year old Joshua. Since then, the two mothers have remained close friends and decided to check out the program together.

"It's great to have someone help walk you through this," said Missy. Young Athletes^TM  Program can now provide them with more parent support.

Anne Rogers, the special program manager wants to grow the Young Athletes^TM Program because of its ability to get children and families engaged and introduced to Special Olympics early on.

"We have to recruit volunteers. We want to team up with college and universities to help grow the program. It gives parents an opportunity to meet other parents and get a break," said Rogers.