Last Updated:9:32 PM EST 9/29/08 Section: Lifestyles

Media Credit: Submitted Photo Lauren Lincoln (front row) poses with the member of her Special Olympics color guard, the only one in New York.

How many high school sophomores do you know of that have implemented the only branch of an always cheerful organization in New York State? Well, meet Lauren Lincoln and her group.
Lincoln is now a senior, majoring in management with a concentration in marketing at St. John Fisher College.

She first saw a Special Olympics color guard perform in Dayton, Ohio when she was there for her high school winter color guard's world championship competition.

Back in New York, Lincoln started a new chapter of the Special Olympics color guard. It is still the only existing Special Olympics color guard in New York State.

The color guard is comprised of athletes from various Special Olympic events and range in age from 18 to 65. They participate in five shows annually on the Northeast color guard circuit, ranging from Jamestown to Victor to Medina, N.Y., and even Ontario, Canada.

Practices begin for Lincoln's volunteer staff of seven just before the athletes arrive. They plan the practice and bring out the equipment, including a massive tarp that acts as a protector for the gym floor from rifles and sabers.

Lincoln said that practice typically begins when "members run in because they can not wait to be at Rainbow Guard Practice." They stretch with one member leading the group, and then dance a little to loosen up.

Lincoln said that their favorite moves are the 'washing machine' and 'raise the roof', and so it is one of the best parts of practice.

After a break, the group reviews flag basics. Like any athletically related activity, fundamentals are still an important basis.

Finally, the group begins work on their routine. It takes a few months to learn a whole show, for it is an involved process.
Lincoln teaches the routine standing still.

Then, the movements are taped to the floor with the athletes' names. They just find and follow their tape to learn their paths. Once they learn each part, the show is put together to practice in its entirety.

This organization is growing; the first year there were 13 athletes and this year Lauren estimates between 27 and 32 will participate.

Continued...

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