Special Olympics Florida athletes sing ‘Stand By Me’ in tribute to healthcare workers
The mission was simple.
“Our athletes really wanted to share their gratitude for healthcare workers,” said Linsey Smith, the regional director of Special Olympics South Florida.
That desire became two minutes of pure positivity in the form of Ben E. King’s 1961 hit, “Stand by Me.” Or, as Samantha Meador put it, a two-minute escape from reality.
“When Linsey told us about the video, we were really excited ... to highlight the support we have for all our healthcare workers in such a stressful time,” said Meador, whose sister Sabrina is a gymnast and cheerleader with Special Olympics.
Athletes from Boynton Beach, Miami and other parts of Florida created the video tribute. For some like Stephen LePore, a.k.a. Mr. Hollywood, it was their moment to shine.
“That’s my dream — to be on the big screen,” said LePore, the 22-year-old who dazzled viewers with his vintage microphone and Mr. Hollywood backdrop.
For others, it was more personal.
Ari Reinoso, the athlete in the light blue shirt whose voice arguably stole the show, still remembers when his mother worked as a certified nursing assistant. On particularly busy nights, she wouldn’t be able to make it home.
“There were times that we were short staffed and I’d have to do a double shift,” said Candida Baez, Ari’s mother. “ ... We have family members who are police officers too, so we take this very seriously.”
“I appreciate what they do,” added Reinoso, 15.
The response on social media has been tremendous. It has racked up more than 2,500 views on YouTube. Comments lauding their voices fill the Facebook post.
“I’m thankful that we did it,” said LePore. “It was fun.”
