It’s time to cheer on the Flathead Valley’s newest Special Olympics team from West Valley at the spring area games Friday in Kalispell and Whitefish.

The West Valley Warriors Special Olympics team consists of 9-year-old Dominick Meyer and 8-year-old Brady Streitmatter.

The team may be small, but it’s mighty.

On Tuesday, the students hit the field after school to practice running, walking and throwing under the guidance of second-grade teacher Sarah Hazen and Special Education teacher Molly Roe and her husband, Todd. The team practices twice a week.

“I just started a Special Education job here and I had these boys in class and I thought this would be a great opportunity for them,” Molly Roe said. “It’s so fun.

“They get to be part of a team. [They] have a sport they’re really good at, and feel good about, and can excel in.”

Meyer stood behind a line drawn in the dirt, ready to practice his softball throw.

“Go. Dominick, go,” Hazen cheered and clapped on the sideline.

Like Babe Ruth’s called shot, Meyer pointed out to the field where Todd Roe stood waiting to catch the ball. Meyer threw the ball with skill. He threw about five more softballs with just as much consistency.

It was then Streitmatter’s turn to practice throwing tennis balls. After his final throw, a jubilant Streitmatter turned and jogged with his arms raised in a victory dance toward Hazen.

“Double high five,” Hazen said. “You threw farther than you ever have.”

“They get so excited,” Hazen said, noting that the larger-than-usual audience likely had brought out their enthusiasm and energy after a busy day. “They had P.E. and swimming today and physical therapy.”

The group moved on to a small track with two lanes spray painted in white on the playground blacktop. The teammates had the option to walk or run alongside their coaches and then each other.

“Are you guys ready, get set, go,” Molly Roe shouted.

With the last few runs, she and Hazen brought out a roll of green crepe paper to create a finish line. Even though their running is interspersed with walking, Meyer and Streitmatter have no trouble picking up speed and breaking through the finish line.

Before practice is over, the team huddles together, stacking their hands in the center of the circle.

“What do you want to say, Dominick,” Todd Roe said.

“Should we say 'pizza'?” Molly Roe asked, picking up from an earlier conversation about favorite foods.

“No,” Meyer replied. “Spaghetti pizza.”

“One, two, three, spaghetti pizza,” everyone yelled in unison. The public is invited to watch the two compete along with 206 other Special Olympians at the Glacier Area Spring Games that begin with an opening ceremony from 9 to 9:15 a.m. Friday at Legends Stadium in Kalispell.

Hilary Matheson is a reporter for The Daily Inter Lake. She may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.

Special Olympics Schedule

• 9 to 915 a.m. — Opening ceremony, Legends Stadium, Kalispell.

• 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. — Track and field, Legends.

• 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. — Golf, Buffalo Hill Golf Course, Kalispell; cycling, Kalispell Middle School.

• 10 to 11:30 a.m. — Tennis and softball throw, Legends.

• 1 to 2:30 p.m. — Bocce ball, Legends.

• 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. — Bowling, Pin ’n’ Cue, 6570 U.S. 93 S., Whitefish.

• 1 to 4 p.m. — Powerlifting, Flathead Fitness Center, 300 First Ave. W., Kalispell.

• 1:30 to 3 p.m. — Aquatics, The Wave, 1250 Baker Ave., Whitefish.