Post Rio Interview with Nolan and Caitlin

Nolan, Rio and Caitlin showing off Rio’s legs. Photo Credit: Juliette Woolf

What was your favorite part of your visit with Rio?

Nolan: Wait, you can’t interview us. We’re not Paralympians.

I know. But I was just wondering, what was your favorite part about your visit with Rio?

Caitlin and Jen teaching Rio to boogie board in the waves of Ocean Park, Maine. Photo Credit: Juliette Woolf

Caitlin: My favorite part was going to the beach. I liked showing Rio how to boogie board.

Nolan: I had so many favorite parts. It is really hard to decide. I think…the whole day. Yeah, the whole day.

What surprised you about the visit?

Caitlin: I was surprised at how good Rio was at boogie boarding. Usually, kids don’t get it right away like he did.

Nolan: I was surprised when Rio climbed up the cliffs at the river with his water leg on. I mean that is really hard because it doesn’t bend at the knee. There is no hinge. But then, we would slide down the cliffs on our boogie boards into the water. It was a fun time.

What did you learn from your day together?

Caitlin, Rio and Nolan showing off the personalize copy of Emmanuel’s Dream by Laurie Thompson. One person can change the world.

Caitlin: I learned that people with disabilities can do everything that kids without disabilities can do.

Nolan: If you have something that is like a disability, you can still do lots of stuff. Even though, it might be a little hard.

What would you like to do when you get to meet up with Rio again?

Caitlin: Probably, rock climbing.

Nolan: I don’t know what I would do. There are so many great things to do with Rio, and I hope we see him again soon.

Caitlin: Paragliding would be really fun, too.

Do you have any other comments?

Caitlin: The day with Rio was really fun. I wished he lived in the US.

Nolan: I know Rio’s mom is going to read this interview. So… I can’t wait to see him again!

The tweet that started a friendship across the Atlantic. Photo Credit: Juliette Woolf

The day with Rio and his parents, Juliette and Trevor, was truly remarkable. It was like experiencing the mission of Team Possible firsthand. It is incredible to think that it all started from a simple tweet of Rio holding a Lego figurine.

One special moment for me was when Juliette told me Rio called me “Coach,” and insisted that I help him work on his new boogie boarding skills. Although it was tough to say good-bye to our new boogie boarding buddy, I loved the big squeeze-you-tight hugs we all received from Rio at the end. Keep believing in the possible! #RunRioRun #BoogieRioBoogie