Essay on The Special Olympics

Last year was the first time I worked the Special Olympics, and I didn’t know what to expect. I signed up for it with my basketball team because the Special Olympians would be playing basketball and volunteers were needed to help run the scoreboard and keep time. Mr. Campbell, the man in charge, told me that the opportunity to play basketball will be an incredible experience for the special needs participants, but working the event will have an even greater affect on me. I was

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

Disabled sports aimed rehabilitation for military people who got a serious physical damage during wars, such as WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War. “In 1967, the National Amputee Skiers Association (NASA) was founded with three chapters, which became National Handicapped Sports and Recreation later, according to Disabled Sports USA”. Also, “in 1973, Rehabilitation Act adopted in the US, and the colleges and universities started to give physical education to people who have disabilities according to US Diplomatic Mission to

One organization in particular that has large involvement within the community to help disabled kids is this organization called Miracle League of the Triangle. This organization is country-wide organization that is located in multiple parts of the country. In particular, one location is in Cary, North Carolina. This organization is specifically related to the sport of baseball. This league operates like a real baseball league where there are multiple teams and each team plays against each other. Each player has some sort of disability where it’s a physical disorder or a mental disorder. The good thing about the involvement is that each player is assisted by a person known as a BUDDY where they help the player run the bases and hit the ball. It’s a real bonding moment for both the player and the BUDDY. It shows that the BUDDY really cares for the player and it makes the player feel more appreciated. The mission statement for the league is to create positive life experiences for children and adults with special needs and for their families through baseball. The league also has some core values in which they take and consider in this organization. Some values are that everything that is done should be player-centered and create an accepting, safe, and fun environment. The world sometimes responds in a ways not to accept people with special needs because they think they don’t fit into the society so they simply exclude them from most activities or other involvements in the community. To change this issue, the leagues organizes the baseball games to give kids a chance to participate in the community even if the league is a specific minority group. It gets these kids more involved to have exposure of interesting things in the world. The league gives everyone the opportunity to participate which creates unity among each other. The BUDDY system helps the staff, board, coaches

Although special needs people in the 1960’s were considered useless, Eunice Kennedy Shriver took a stand for them. She created the special olympics, and camp shriver. She used the Joseph P Kennedy Jr. Foundation as well to bend her will on the country of America. The legacy she left behind is still felt today; with the special olympics having an attendance of over 3 million people. Along with that, we have seen the rights and view of special needs people increase ten-fold, compared to what they were in the 1960's. They are as much a part of modern society as anyone else is.

This event happens once a year and takes place at our high school stadium. Special needs kids come from all around my community to compete in events that best suit their physical or intellectual disabilities. It is truly astounding to see a whole community come together to support these kids. At this past year's Olympics I volunteered as a peer buddy and my responsibilities included walking my buddy, Luke, to his different events and making sure he was having a good time. Luke won first place in the ball throw and second place in the 100 meter dash. I loved seeing how happy he was when he was handed his ribbons and I was so fortunate to have been able to spend the day with

In ninth grade, my mother suggested that I volunteer with peers at my high school who are special needs. She thought it would be good for me to meet other people my age who have their unique struggles in school, much like myself. I protested originally, but little did I know I would love volunteering with my peers, regardless of their disability. During this time, I signed up to volunteer with a local organization called Buddy Ball. At Buddy Ball, I had the opportunity to teach children with disabilities ages five through twenty-one baseball. When I volunteered with my peers, I mainly saw high schoolers with severe autism, intellectual disabilities, and emotional disturbances, whereas with Buddy Ball most of the participants had severe autism, intellectual disability, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, epilepsy, or a multiple of disabilities. Both of these experiences allowed me to gain knowledge of a variety of special

People like Matthew Williams had friends and family to rely on when going through hard times in school. Since he had people to relate to and talk to, despite having no friends and struggling to keep his grades from sinking, Matthew aspired to be more than he was - and believed it was possible. Despite having so many things turned against him, Matthew found confidence and friends through the Special Olympics. This light at the end of the tunnel made him believe in himself and in his friends to stay healthy and achieve things many people assume those with intellectual disabilities are unable to do. If Matthew wasn’t supported by the people who watch the Special Olympics, and didn’t make the friends he has from it, he would be in a dark, sad place.

Volunteering for the Special Olympics was an incredible experience, while interacting with the athletes I learned to be more appreciative and I saw genuine happiness. I was given the amazing opportunity to volunteer at this event because I am a part of Grace club. Grace club is an organization in my school that helps and interacts with kids who have special needs. One of the club's main goals is informing others about the disabilities these children have and how to properly interact with them. It also works towards building respect for people with disabilities and changing the public's perception of these disabilities. I decided to join Grace club for various reasons, but the main reason I decided to join the club was because I would be able to help and interact with these children. I believe lots of compassion and patience is needed when interacting with these children. Volunteering in this club and the Special Olympics fulfills my needs of helping

Today, people aid disabled men and women in their activities so that they can make a well-loved living. Discrimination in the world today, involving race and gender, has lessened dramatically. Track, and several other sports, is now easier for disabled, African-American women to participate in. Modern technology helps people with disabilities to include themselves in sports they both love and enjoy. Wilma serves as an inspiration to anybody having doubts about their

Together they helped bring attention to people with intellectual disabilities and more scientists began doing research and more doctors were trained to work with them. 1962 is when Camp Shriver began and spread across the country, eventually evolving into the Special Olympics.

I have gone to only three volunteer sessions and have read lots about the Special Olympics Canada (SOC). SOC wants there to be social integration so Special Olympics offers athletes a choice, the choice to train and compete in any sport. No matter their level of disability, age, religion, race, socioeconomic status or place of origin. SOC tries to reach every Canadian community so people understand who they are and how to access their programs. The SOC staff consists of people who have a passion for the sport and who are deliciated on giving the best programs/support for all those involved to enrich their personal health and safety. Subcommittees and strong teams of volunteers strive to meet those expectations. It is reinforced that every athlete's

Paulette Esquivel was told by medicine professionals that she would never walk and she is now a “gold-medal runner.” “Esquivel, 15, won a long-distance race at the special Olympics Texas Spring Games in Weslaco.” Many people often tend to believe that if someone is mentally ill or handicapped that they aren’t capable of achieving glory in an athletic point of view. Esquivel, as previously mentioned, is an example of how capable these children really are, they give it their all. I have first-hand experienced how hardworking, dedicated, and athletic this children are by volunteering at our annual Special Olympics at Weslaco High School.

As a human with no physical or learning disabilities, the culture and lifestyle of those with disabilities is still new to me. After watching Murderball, a documentary that focuses on the U.S. quadriplegic rugby team, I was happy to find out that there are still many opportunities for disabled individuals to participate in sports. Through dedication and training, it seemed that anything was possible for these athletes. Unfortunately, it appears that those with mental/learning disabilities are not presented with as equal opportunities for success in sports. Lauren McKeon’s “Why Won’t You Let Me Play?” focuses on the discrimination that takes place within the Special Olympics. After looking at the Paralympics and Special Olympics through the lenses of Murderball and “Why Won’t You Let Me Play”, it has become clear that people with disabilities do not have equal opportunities in sports, but this issue is not only prevalent in sports. Special Olympic athletes seem to face far greater exclusion compared to Paralympic athletes in athletics, daily life, and American culture.

“Let me win, and if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt” The oath made by the courageous, dedicated, honorable men and women of the Special Olympics. Founded in 1968, Special Olympics showed the world that people with disabilities can be valued and respected, contributing members of society.