On Friday, Oct. 20, Special Olympians got their chance to shine.
High School Athletes Tabby Olsen, Jhayce’n Killingbeck, Bradford Cottam, Jade Waldron, Weston Tyler, and Josh Delgado joined other participants from elementary schools, the middle school, and graduates who still wanted to compete.
Not only did the Special Olympians get a chance to compete, but students from the high school were able to help as well. Mrs. Sarah Carlson, who helps with Special Olympics, said, “Each athlete has a peer from school. Their peer is kind of like a support person, and that person helps them with each event and makes sure they are doing what they are supposed to.”
Special Olympics has a mission statement from Herbert J. Kramer that says, “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” Some of the events included outdoor activities like track and cycling events.
The Special Olympics logo pictures five figures in a circle holding hands. Carlson described this logo as signifying unity and showing that all kids can help each other in some way. “Special Olympics can encourage them by making them feel like they can succeed and it’s not all about the metals or crossing the finish line, it’s mainly about everyone out there supporting them,” said Carlson.
Special olympics is a sports organization for children and adults who have disabilities to participate in different activities that allows them to race against each other to see who can win. Students can also have tons of fun while doing this, so it’s not all about winning the whole olympics. “The kids love it when people cheer their name because it makes them feel like they can do anything,” said Carlson.
Junior Jade Waldron said, “Special olympics was a lot of fun and I loved all the stuff I got to do.”
To these Special Olympians, it doesn’t matter if they get a shiny metal or if they win; they just like to have fun.
