How The Special Olympics Changed My Life

Everyone in life has trials and tribulations, but the way in which everyone responds to them is different. Some people dwell on the negative situations, whereas other people turn their negative situations into positive situations. The book, “Wheelchair Warrior,” by Melvin Juette and Ronald J. Berger, conveys how a positive mindset, self-efficacy, and support from family and friends are essential when trying to get through difficult times. Juette uses these characteristics as he transforms from being a gang member to being a world-class national athlete. The life story of Juette, contributes to the understanding of sport and society, reveals the American notion of social differences, and portrays sport in similar ways compared to many other

In our society sports are a very important social construction. As sports continue to grow, they are becoming more integrated into the major spheres of social life. Sports have become an entity, due to the fact that they not only create entertainment and jobs; sports have become a huge platform for various causes. Sports are extremely important to our society and have very powerful influences. Though experiences vary from person to person, most people have some sort of experience with sports. I personally have experienced sports more from the spectator and participant stance, and have been impacted from each perspective a great deal. Compared to sophomore safety, Jamal Adams my sports experience has been very different from impact and perspective.

The Special Olympics are helping millions around the globe figure out what they’re capable of. Thomas Carlyle once said, “Nothing builds self-esteem and self-confidence like accomplishment.” The athletes that wish to participate in this program are wanting to become more successful and assured. All their life, it has been hard for them to overlook their disabilities. Now, they are able to see past what others would

I had the opportunity to complete my service-learning hours with the North Carolina Special Olympics and the Golden Living Center. The North Carolina Special Olympics provides youth and young adults with disabilities the opportunity to train and play in sporting tournaments. Without fundraising events, the North Carolina Special Olympics would not be able to provide free the athletes with equipment, uniforms, training facilities, housing, and meals. It also spreads awareness of this incredible non-profit. I completed 12 service learning hours volunteering at two Special Olympics fundraising events: softball tournament and motorcycle run. At the softball tournament I participated in various activities throughout the day such as registering the

The second Level I fieldwork was a very enjoyable experience. Over the span of three months I was able to acquire various amounts of information from the individuals with Raleigh County Special Olympics. I was able to collaborate with the coaches, parents, and athletes to find out what technique worked best for each child with special needs. Upon my arrival, I had no idea how much fun I would have volunteering for Special Olympics basketball skills. Throughout the time I was there, I was able to see different diagnoses previously discussed in class. This experience was very eye-opening and informative. I personally learned a variety of things from the children that will better benefit me out in the field.

I have extensive experience in managing the business operations of an innovative, responsive and award winning not-for-profit organisation, along with a strong interest in sport, recreation and health. My career and qualification history, including working for national and state based sporting organisations along with state and federal government sporting authorities, and a service promoting opportunities in sport and recreation, tourism and the arts for people with a disability has given me a unique insight to the challenges and positive change these areas can create not only at the individual level but also the community at large. Whilst it may seem that my career experience is dominated in the sporting area, I realised early in my career that for the majority of participants the vehicle of sport was used for recreational purposes including creating a sense of belonging and personal wellbeing. My experience in this sector includes the following:

This past summer, I had the opportunity to serve as intern at a summer camp for blind children. Knowing that, despite their disadvantages, there was no excuse for a lack of effort, I witnessed them perform tasks that I had previously believed to be impossible without sight. Cooking, for example, was done with ease, so long as the children had confidence in themselves and their abilities. Through observation, the themes of effort and ambition became abundantly apparent. Similarly, my athletic career has displayed these themes. My introduction to sports began at age three with soccer. Though too young to acknowledge the presence of deeper meanings at the time, soccer had embodied the ideals of effort and ambition within me. These two principles

It’s amazing how sports bring people together, no matter what race, or what abilities you have people can come together when they share something, and sports happen to have a very large effect. No matter who you are or what your abilities are you can always include yourself and others in sports. You don’t necessarily have to play them since there are other ways to be included. You could coach them, sit in the stands, or even watch them on TV. That’s the great thing about sports, no matter what language you speak, what you look like, or what restrictions you may have, there is always a way to be part of a

The chance to make someone feel equal and wanted is one of the most accomplishing things that you can do as an individual. Having the opportunity to touch the lives of other kids that have some sort of disability is something that you will cherish forever. It is indescribable, unless you have the chance to do it yourself. Special Olympics is a worldwide organization that is meant for one goal and one goal only, to touch the lives of the disabled in any way, shape, or form. The amount of volunteers, money, and hours invested into the lives of these kids and into this organization will blow your mind. It is almost like you can’t describe this event over a paper; it has to be something that you experience for yourself. When I

This past Sunday I volunteered at Special Olympics. It was my first time volunteering there beings I wasn’t able to make it last year, and it truly was inspiring. I honestly have never seen more determination, dedication, sportsmanship, and smiles packed into one place. My athlete buddy was in three events, which was the softball throw, the 100-meter dash, and the 4 x 100 relay, and I stuck with her from the first event all the way until the very last event of the day. It got to be pretty long, and we had to wait a while in between events, but the patience she had was incredible.

The Special Olympics programs includes a variety selection of sports and positions in which you can volunteer in. Due to the fact that I swim every day and I am comfortable in the water I teach down-syndrome, autistic, and attention span deficit kids how to swim. Some kids will throw tantrums and will start crying but others might just go along with it, and have fun with the water. Through this time that I spend with my swimmers we create bonds that can’t be broken. These kids give off positive energy that can warm anybody’s heart.

is past October, I had the chance to complete my service work while working alongside with other students from Cabrini, the Villanova community and other volunteers within the local community at the 29th Villanova Special Olympics. The reason why I have selected to do my service work at the Special Olympics because ever since I was in high school, I’ve always loved showing my support for both children and adults with intellectual disabilities because despite our difference there is no reason that everyone deserves their time in the spotlight. Even if that means me providing their help by providing water as runners past the rest stops to cheering on the sidelines on the soccer field. I love knowing that the end of each event that I volunteer

Special Olympics is an organization that is very important to me. Sports have played an integral role throughout my life and I cannot imagine not having the ability to do that because of a disability. The Special Olympics provides an opportunity for people who are disabled to enjoy everything that sports encompass. Last year as an LPH I got to see this first hand. I was Butler County's LPH and one of their volleyball teams won the gold. The whole team started crying because it had been 10 years since they had won. Just seeing the passion and emotion shown by the athletes was inspiring. My experience last year was everything and more than I could have ever expected and is why I am applying to be a VC this year.

Sports are a significant part of many people’s lives. Whether it be playing in high school, following an NFL team, or watching a child play tee-ball, the majority of the population has been familiarized to these energetic activities. Sports have even been known to be stress relievers, outlets, and therapeutic activities. It was not until more recent years that sports were perceived as therapeutic for those with disabilities, if even possible for them to perform. However, with modern technology and the push toward independence, it has now become possible for those individuals to participate in sporting activities. Today, sports are regarded to be therapeutic for individuals with disabilities. Research has been conducted to determine if sporting

Since athletes are people with social influence, they are able to mobilize citizens towards social activities that can be beneficial to the society (Smith, 2013). In addition, they can come up with a project that is aimed at benefiting the less fortunate in the society. It can bring about a social change as well as economic development to those who they give a service to. Athletes have to stand up for the people whose voice has been silenced and whose living are being banished by the policies and orders of the country. Athletes are the most visible expression of performance and financial success in the United States. They have an influential power that can bring people from different cultures or religious to come up with amazing strategies in the society (Smith, 2013). They can allow the people through their different activities related to the society. They should be confident, honest and supportive. They have to get past to athlete’s association and personal advisers and think about what is best for the people of their nation.