The Special Olympics means a lot more than a sports competition. It is a chance that gives children with disabilities the opportunity to compete, grow, and be celebrated for their athletic abilities. Special Olympics was created to prove that every person deserves the chance to experience the joy of sports and the feeling of being included.
Athletes who participate in the Special Olympics get the chance to make new friends and feel accepted. The events bring people together, no matter their differences.
At Carolina Forest, our special education classes participate in the Special Olympics every year. It is something that students really look forward to each spring. Every athlete gets a buddy; they get the opportunity to create a friendship and bond together.
Mrs. Kalb shared, “As a teacher, events like this mean so much to me because they give my students the opportunity to be celebrated for all of their hard work and accomplishments. Seeing them happy, confident, and excited fills me with so much joy! These students are truly amazing and deserve every opportunity to shine. Every smile and moment of excitement is worth all the work we put into making it perfect for them!”
Teachers, students, and families who come to watch the events are also inspired. It helps them to understand that everyone has unique abilities and talents that should be recognized.
Many students who volunteer as buddies develop a new perspective and deeper understanding of the importance of inclusion. Watching the athletes reminds everyone that success isn’t measured only by winning, but by courage and effort.
According to the National Library of Medicine, studies have shown that those who participate in the Special Olympics gain more confidence and courage within themselves.
Junior Kearstin Moore buddied with Waverly Weiland during the events shared, “ The Special Olympics highlights the beauty in everyone. No matter our differences we can all come together. Every single buddy and athlete at the event are a representation of love and community in a world that teaches us the opposite. That’s what the event is truly about.”
I also participated as Waverly Weiland’s buddy in the Special Olympics. It was very moving and helped me see things through the eyes of someone who doesn’t get the same opportunities as I do. It was amazing to see the smiles on all the athletes’ faces.
Waverly stated, “I had a lot of fun at the Special Olympics, and my favorite part was running in the race and jumping!”
A very special shoutout to Jen Gollie, the head technology specialist, for everything she did to support the Special Olympics and for making sure every student felt celebrated and recognized.
The Special Olympics is important because it helps those who participate feel included and celebrated for who they are. It’s more than just sports; it’s about friendship, courage, and believing in every person’s abilities.
