June 2023 Special Needs Living Akron/Canton

THERE IS ALWAYS A WAY MEET THE LEGENDARY BOB HALE

By Andrea Hurr With Photos By Julian Curet

Writing this article about Bob is very exciting for me. Usually, I get the privilege of writing about young kids and teenagers, but Bob is neither of those, Bob is an energetic 50-year-old man who happens to have Down Syndrome. Bob’s family has led the way in the Stark County area for special needs families. by seeing the needs for their son and creating ways for his needs to be met. The Hales are visionaries and an inspirational family all around!

At 8 years old, Bob was in one of the first inclusion program classes in all of Stark County. This program was located in Louisville, but Phyllis and Tom Hale wanted their son to be closer to their home in Uniontown for school so they convinced Lake Local to start an inclusive elementary class. Bob joined Special Olympics when he was 8 years old and at the age of 10 he could no longer participate in the Special Olympics through Stark County DD since he was at a local school program. Not wanting Bob to have to stop what he loved, the Hales once again decided to take action into their own hands and they started The Hale Foundation so children in public school could still participate in the Special Olympics.

FUN FACT ABOUT BOB!

In 2003 he received the Amateur Athletic Union’s Powerlifting Championship in Richmond Virginia. Bob set three American and World Records in the deadlift, bench press, and squad lift in the Special Open for individuals with disabilities. He competed against 400 athletes representing 12 countries. Bob lifted 187.5 pounds in his squat, 187.5 pounds on the bench, and ended with a deadlift of 286.6 pounds!

They said it was a great experience for them and after a few years, The Hale Foundation merged with Stark Public Special Olympics. Phyllis says “it has been a wonderful experience that started when Bob was a child and has translated into a passion for him as an adult.” In Special Olympics, Bob participated in powerlifting which is his favorite, swimming, bowling, tennis, and track & field. He is very active in the community enjoying concerts and trips with Clearview Developmental Services.

The Hales say they have been so lucky to have great support in Stark County which has helped Bob to grow over the years. Some of the resources they have and currently use are GentleBrook, Clearview Developmental Services as previously mentioned, Stark Public Special Olympics-also previously mentioned, GiGi’s Playhouse in Canton, Kingdom Builders Class at FCC Canton, and Stark DD. The support of these organizations has allowed Bob to learn and keep his independence and he is a very handyman. He likes to keep busy and is always on the go and Phyllis says that he is always thoughtful and loves to help people (he loves mission trips with Kingdom Builders too).

Bob was set up for success with such great support from his parents and family. Besides their ability to see a need and create a solution for Bob when he was younger, the Hales always treated him like his sister Susan. They never thought Bob couldn’t do something; it just took him a little longer. Phyllis says that a lot of people think a person with special needs can’t learn to do some things, but if you take the time (and patience) they might surprise you!” Bob currently works at GentleBrook Greenhouse & Farm in Hartville where he loves working with flowers and planting vegetables. On your next stop there see if the country music-loving Bob is working and say hello to him. I bet he will just make your day!