WILMINGTON, N.C. — Volunteer coaches are coming out to train people with disabilities for the New Hanover County Special Olympics.

Curt Robert has been coaching for almost 40 years. He started out coaching recreational soccer and then moved into Special Olympics soccer. Five years ago, he made the switch to track and field. 

“They needed a track coach and I did track in high school, so I started doing track,” Robert said. 

Robert has found his passion through coaching the Special Olympics. He says the determination is what inspires him. 

“I have a passion for coaching, for one, and I keep coming back because I've got relationships with these people and I — I owe it to them. They keep coming out to play the sport. I owe it to them to keep being their coach. That's the way I see it,” Robert said. 

With track and field, Robert helps the kids run faster, jump higher and throw farther. 

As many coaches would agree, watching their athletes have fun and reach their goals is the most rewarding part of their job. For Robert, it’s no different. 

“Just being with the athletes and seeing them improve and helping them achieve their goals,” Robert said. “Just being with the athletes and seeing them improve and helping them achieve their goals,” Robert said. 

The Special Olympics gives opportunities to people with disabilities to have access to sports and recreation. Their motto is, “I hope to win or I will win, but if I don’t, let me be brave with trying,” Robert said. 

And every practice Robert sees just that.

“To someone who's been involved with athletics for a long time, I just appreciate their sportsmanship and and the way they do things,” Robert said. 

Robert says what’s more rewarding than watching his athletes get better, is just having their presence. 

“Just being with the athletes and seeing them improve and helping them achieve their goals,” Robert said.