By Melissa Lake – Guest Contributor
The Special Olympics in my state is set for May 12th-14th, 2010.
I am honored to tell you that my son Logan is attending this very special event. He is excited and knows it is not so far away. We have already taken him to the pre-trials where he did a wonderful job, placing first in the softball throw at 14 ft and fourth in the 50 yard run. We spent the time in between his events listening to a jazz band, petting farm animals, fishing for candy bars, having lunch, and hanging out with his brothers, friends, teachers and parents. He even sat behind the band and joyfully ate a corn dog and held a calm composure. His Para-Professional and teacher were there to keep him encouraged, as well as his family. He really enjoyed this challenge and has held a high confidence in himself that he can do anything he sets his mind to.
The Special Olympics is very near and dear to my heart, as I had an older sibling who attended when I was a child and continues to attend yearly to this day. I would like to tell you a sweet story I remember about her in a race that just melts one to think of the empathy she has for others.
The race was ready, set and “POW”, my sister was off, she was in the lead but kept looking back to see if her friend was running yet. When she realized that her friend had not left the starting line, she bolted back, grabbed her friend’s hand and they eventually made it past the finish line. Later when she was asked why she did not go ahead and get first place, she said “my friend forgot to follow me, so I had to tell her.”
So, I guess that is why when I hear that children with special needs do not have much empathy, I wonder who they are talking about, because the only time my sister or son have lashed out in anger was due to a sense of justice not being served. My son Logan knows if I am sad, he will ask “are you OK?” or “Why are you crying? Don’t cry.”
If you like sports, you should consider how wonderful the Special Olympics games are, as they give children an opportunity to excel with courage and with the support of friends, family and coaches. You have to see and experience the love these beautiful people bring our way, and embrace it with your heart and soul. And when you hear about the Special Olympics I hope that my Logan and his Auntie’s story come to your heart.
The Special Olympics offers over 30 Olympic-type individual and team sports that provide meaningful training and competition opportunities for persons with intellectual disabilities.
For more information here is a website packed with ways to get involved, be it coaching or giving, and the rules and guides. Donations can be monetarily or in other ways. One guy I saw was making balloon pets, and there were groups offering food supplies, music, and entertainment of all sorts.
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