Olympian Lauren Regula receives gift from kids that left her 'bawling' at Tokyo Olympics
With no fans or family allowed at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics because iof COVID-19 protocols, one Olympian received a special gift from her kids – a "hug."
Lauren Regula, a softball pitcher for Team Canada, shared that her kids sent a hug" made from construction paper in case she needed an embrace from them.
In a broadcast on NBC, Regula said she was not expecting the special delivery while she was on the bus on the way to the village.
"I opened it up and I had no idea what this was," Regula said.
Inside the package were two hands and a long arm taped together made of red construction paper that read, "a hug from us."
Her kids, 11, 10 and 8, left personal notes on the paper-made hug while their mother is away.
"So whenever I need a hug, I can just grab it and wrap their arms around me and feel the love from home," Regula said.
Because of an increase in coronavirus cases, Tokyo announced a state of emergency, canceling any hope for fans, domestic or foreign, to attend the Games.
Team Canada beat Mexico 4-0 in the woman's tournament opening round. They play Australia tomorrow on Friday.
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Follow reporter Asha Gilbert @Coastalasha. Email: agilbert@usatoday.com.