With the 2015 Special Olympics World Games coming up in July, our organization decided to ask Special Olympic athletes and family members what they wish the general public knew about them. Here is what we gathered:
1. They love to compete
That burning desire to win is imbedded in their hearts just like athletes without disabilities. Special Olympics taps into their new-found competitive attributes of Special Olympians and allows a safe environment for them to showcase their skill. Athletes normally aren't used to competing with athletes with similar disabilities, so when they join Special Olympics, their willingness to compete increases along with their competitiveness and self-confidence.
2. The Opening Ceremony is very important to them
Much like the Olympics, the Opening Ceremony of Special Olympics events is a moment Special Olympians praise. It is in this moment that Special Olympians get a chance to shine and be recognized by their peers and spectators—that means a great deal to these athletes.
3. They play to win
As stated before, Special Olympians love to compete—and just like every Olympian, they play to win. Placed in an environment with athletes with similar disabilities, Special Olympians quickly realize that they have greater opportunity to win. Recognition of this reality drives competitiveness and raises their confidence. Therefore when Special Olympians compete, winning is the focus of these athletes.
4. They train hard
Being a Special Olympian isn't exactly a walk in the park. Athletes go through intensive training and practice throughout the year to prepare for events. Just like your coaches in high school, coaches in Special Olympics challenge Special Olympians to become better every day through conditioning and demonstration. Special Olympians push themselves and strive to get better every day.
5. They like to learn and try new things
For many young athletes, Special Olympics allow them to explore various sports and luckily Special Olympics provides opportunity for athletes to attempt other sports. The sheer enjoyment Special Olympians get out of sport drives them to try new sports and discover new talents. Many athletes in Special Olympics perform in multiple sports and that is a result of the opportunity Special Olympians have to find a sport(s) that fit them.
6. They are more motivated when there are bigger crowds
Special Olympians love to see spectators other than close family members at their events. Drawing a big crowd creates a feeling of excitement for Special Olympians and gives the a greater sense of importance. Whether you are friends with a Special Olympian at school, a distant relative, or even just a supporter, making time to watch one of their events means the world to Special Olympians.
7. They know the value of teamwork and sportsmanship
Just like the bonding athletes of all levels experience with teammates, Special Olympians value their teammates and teamwork. To some, their teammates are their closest friends. This goes as no surprise since Special Olympics places these athletes in environments where they feel equal and accepted. Although Special Olympians' competitive spirit are displeased after a loss, they have learned the value of sportsmanship and understand how noble it is to congratulate their opponent after a loss.
8. They love to be recognized for their achievements
Receiving a medal or ribbon is one of the greatest honors for a Special Olympian. These moments give the athletes feelings of great achievement and reward. For some, they are not used to being acknowledged for winning a sport so this moment means a great deal to them.
9. They wish others would take them seriously as athletes
People assume that because Special Olympians have intellectual disabilities, that they are less talented and are not "real athletes". Special Olympians and observers would tell you otherwise. Special Olympians possess natural talent and can achieve remarkable feats. In a way, Special Olympic athletes have accomplished and persevered more than the "conventional" athlete. The amount of will and strength it takes to overcome disability and develop athletic ability that defy expectations. For that, Special Olympians deserve to be taken more seriously.
10. They are more similar to you than they are different
When characterizing Special Olympians, remember that they are more similar to conventional athletes than different. The competitive drive that drive athletes to succeed lies in the hearts of Special Olympians as well. These athletes go through rigorous training and conditioning, as all athletes do. They experience emotions, setbacks, and struggles just as all athletes do. Not to mention, their love of sports is match, if not, exceed that of athletes without disabilities. It's about time we start treating Special Olympics as our equal, not our lesser.
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