Mike Van Zee (left) poses with members of his large and supportive family.
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Family and friends agree that powerlifter Mike Van Zee of Cheney, Washington (USA) loves being the center of attention. "Every year, a photo of Mike inevitably ends up in the Special Olympics program guide," says his coach, Pat Gray. "Once Mike sees he's a hero for the whole weekend, he gets really pumped up and, after a good lift, he'll usually strike a pose for the crowd." Not surprising for a young man who says if he had one wish, he'd like to be a rock star.
Mike's parents, Veda and Robert Van Zee, recognized their son's special spirit and enthusiasm early on and entered him in the Special Olympics Washington Program as soon as he was old enough to participate. In the years since, Mike's journey from fledgling athlete to gold-medal winner has included many challenges, but he's continued to defy the odds. He started out by learning to "pump iron" (powerlift) and speed skate. Now he also swims for fitness and takes part in a community musical every year. "He's a wonderful actor," says Pam Griffiths of Special Olympics Washington.
With each new achievement, Mike and his family could imagine him moving on to another accomplishment. One high point came when Mike was one of four Special Olympics Washington powerlifters selected to compete in the 1999 World Summer Games in North Carolina.
"Mike is the youngest of four boys," says Veda Van Zee. "His hard work and persistence in becoming accepted by all has been an inspiration." The Van Zees' involvement in Special Olympics, in fact, became a family affair. "One of our older sons, Eric, met his wife while they were both coaching Special Olympics Alpine skiing. They now have young daughters, who love Mike dearly and have a special bond of trust with him."
Mike is a member of Iron Pumpers and Spokane Blades, programs sponsored by the Spokane (Washington) Parks and Recreation Department, and holds down two part-time jobs in Spokane at the Taco Time restaurant and Gonzaga University. When he's not training or working, Mike participates in a wide variety of activities, including skiing, track, bicycling, rock climbing, bowling, playing Nintendo, and spending time with his friends. For all his natural "star quality," he is very much a team player, emphasizes Coach Gray. "Mike is special because of the enthusiasm he brings to powerlifting. He loves working out—he calls it, 'getting buff' — and enjoys helping and encouraging his teammates."
Because of Mike, the Van Zees have met some wonderful people through Special Olympics, says his mother. "Mike's fun, loyal — an all-around good guy. He is a challenge, but also a great joy."
To express the family's pride in Mike, his mother, Veda Van Zee, wrote this poem:
Take Him Home and Love Him
"Take him home and love him.
For that's all you can do."
So we took him home and loved him
And he developed and he grew.
We nurtured him and did our best
To seek the help he'd need.
First his parents, and his brothers,
Teachers, friends, and others
Helped to see that he'd succeed.
"His physical development
Will be so very slow.
He'll never do very much"—
But little did they know.
His brothers challenged him
In all the ways they could.
Many others did their part
Because they knew he would—
Prove THEM wrong.
Now Mike can ski and Mike can skate,
He swims and rides a bike.
On Saturdays he bowls three lines
And on Bloomsday takes that hike.
When he was being teased in school
Some taunted him to fight.
They thought it funny to egg him on—
Even though it wasn't right.
That's when Coach Pat said, "I can help.
I'll teach him to lift weights.
Fighting is not cool," said he.
"On my team you play straight."
Mike worked with Pat and learned a lot.
He learned to try his best.
He learned to focus on a task—
His strength would do the rest.
For eight long years he's tried real hard
To lift the way he should.
At one-three-three and five-foot tall
He lifts more than most folks could.
In Squats it's one-five-five or more.
His bench press is the same.
Dead lift goes to two-four-o.
He'll make himself a name.
Coach Pat called Monday afternoon.
"My mind began to race—
World Special Olympic Games
This summer will take place.
He said, "I just got off the phone—
And wanted you to know—
Washington will take four lifters
So Mike will get to go."
My head is floating in the clouds,
My feet are off the ground.
My youngest son—who's tried so hard—
Will be Olympic bound.
They said, "Take him home and love him—
That's all that you can do."
I just don't think they realized
The strength of love, do you? |
