If Kermit and Lori Nelson could earn a medal for the amount of pride they have in their 16-year-old daughter, Brandi, they'd surely earn a gold.
The rural Ottertail couple's daughter participated in the U.S. Special Olympics that was held in Lincoln, Neb. from July 17-23.
Brandi, who will be a sophomore at Perham High School in the fall, earned four medals in the event's gymnastics competition - two silver medals in the rhythmic ribbon and rhythmic all around categories and two bronze medals in the rhythmic ball and rhythmic hoop competition. She also earned a fourth place ribbon in the rhythmic club category.
Brandi said she had a great time not only by taking part in the Olympics itself, but also by making new friends and riding in a private jet for her trip to Lincoln.
"It was the first time I ever flew," said Brandi. "And it was great."
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Many pilots and plane and jet owners, who also support Special Olympics, donated the use of their aircraft to fly the Special Olympians to the event. The flight and method of travel alone provided memories that the competitors will not soon forget.
Brandi also said, while her parents smiled, she had made many new friends including a couple of fellow competitors named Mike who she said she will stay in contact with and two girls from Iowa who also competed.
Brandi was one of only Minnesota Special Olympics athletes that competed in the gymnastic events.
"It was a very special thing to be part of," said Brandi. "I'll never be able to forget it."
Brandi's parents said the event was "very exciting" and was "much bigger than they had thought it would be before they witnessed the actual event."
But, before Brandi took part in the event five days a week she had to take part in a number of exercises and routines to prepare herself for the Olympics.
Kermit and Lori drove to the competition while their daughter was enjoying her flight. Brandi also stayed at the facility that was set aside for housing for the Special Olympics participants. Living among the other participants also gave Brandi and her fellow competitors the chance to socialize and meet others.
"No matter what the participants got the event was extremely well run and it really gave an ego boost to everyone who took part," said Brandi's mother. "It really helps these kids get a lot more self confidence."
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Lori and Kermit also credit the Special Olympics activities in the Perham-Dent School District.
"It's a great organization," said Lori. "Brandi really loves to be involved. The organization here is much better than in other schools Brandi has been in. Some really have nothing like it."
"Brandi is the kind of person who likes to keep busy and being involved in Special Olympics really does that," said Lori.
Brandi said she plans to continue to stay involved in Special Olympics in some way, even when she becomes an adult.
"It's just a lot of fun and I really enjoy it," said Brandi while smiling and her medals shining as she held them tight.
The Nelsons also wanted to express their thanks to the community for the support they received that allowed them to attend the event.
"We had so many friends, family and local businesses contribute with just an simple email," said Lori. "All of the support was extremely appreciated."
Nelson said Calvary Lutheran Church also hosted a "send off" the weekend before leaving for the event for which they also greatly appreciate. She said they also want to give a special thanks to the Ottertail Lions Club and for the overwhelming support from the Ottertail and Perham communities.
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Even though the Special Olympics torch has since been extinguished until the next competition, the event's ideals still burn in the hearts and minds of special "people" such as Brandi Nelson, her parents and the other Special Olympics athletes.
