How Special Olympics can unite a community

It takes a lot of courage for children and adults with intellectual disabilities to step outside to play, perform, and win. Their lives bring joy and inspiration to all those who can see beyond their disabilities; to those who believe that disabilities should never define a person. 

Image source: specialolympics.org

In a community that is truly committed to serve everyone from all walks of life, nobody should be left ignored and abused. Model communities take care of people with intellectual disabilities—opportunities for them to learn and serve the community make them feel more confident and brave to face daily challenges. 

Special Olympics intends to let everyone understand what acceptance is. Respecting that people with disabilities have the desire to see themselves in a different way, witnessing strength in the middle of an obstacle, and finding bravery in defeat, are all lessons of the Special Olympics. 

Equal opportunities for all individuals is what the society aims to achieve. In the process of fighting for the good of the greater population, there’s a chance that the smaller circle is being overlooked. Conducting Special Olympics is only one of the many opportunities a community can make people with disabilities feel appreciated. To be a part of a community, one must feel welcome. One must feel loved and needed. It is known that playing sports is good for the health and well-being of an individual, but an individual is always a part of something bigger. Patience and confidence; teamwork and success; respect and acceptance; bravery in victory and in defeat—all experienced in Special Olympics—bring unity.

Image source: specialolympics.org 

Jay Blackmore is an active member of the Canadian Progress Club of Regina, an organization that supports Special Olympics. To learn more about the Canadian Progress Club, visit this website.

Heartwarming Stories From Athletes Who Joined The Special Olympics

Image source: Cbs.com

The Special Olympics is a grand sporting event for over thousands of athletes around the world who have intellectual disabilities, including Down syndrome and fetal alcohol syndrome. Participants can exhibit their athletic prowess in 25 events such as triathlon, speed skating, football, and judo. Just like every sporting spectacle, it is a place for inspiring stories. Here are some of the Special Olympics’ most inspiring athletes:

Tim Harris: President Barack Obama’s encourager

At a White House event, President Obama gave a shout-out to the multi-talented athlete. The basketball, volleyball, poly hockey, and track and field player is also an entrepreneur. Upon hearing his name, Tim went up the stage and hugged the president. The president commended that just like everyone else, he also needed a hug from a great guy like Tim.

Chelsea Werner: The gymnast who would not give up

As a child, Chelsea had low muscle tone and was immobile until she was four. Gymnastics became a way to strengthen her body. When she decided to compete, she was usually placed at the bottom. Even worse, the Special Olympics Committee of Northern California closed down its gymnastics program. This meant training on her own for 16 hours a week before she began winning national titles and dominating her solo event at the Special Olympics.

Jamaal Charles: An American football legend in the making

Image source: Dailymail.co.uk

The Kansas City Chiefs running back discovered his talent when he joined the Special Olympics at age 10. Suffering from a learning disability, he proved people that he could go the distance by participating at a track and field event that gave him his first gold medal. His time at the Special Olympics gave him confidence and encouraged him to pursue what he’s excellent in.

The Special Olympics is an example that disabilities are not a hindrance to success. These inspiring people are continuing to change the world with their passion and dedication.

Jay Blackmore is the COO of Park Capital Management. As a philanthropist, he is also invested in making the community a better place through the Regina Canada Progress Club, which supports the Special Olympics. Follow Twitter account for similar updates.

Heart Strong: Fun Facts About The Special Olympics

The Special Olympics have been around for a long time – almost six decades in fact. It has become a rallying cry for people of all walks of life, uniting in an organization volunteers and supporters. On the surface, the Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities a chance to let loose and engage in friendly competition. But underneath, it is so much more. Here are few fun facts about the Special Olympics:

 Image source: ocps.net

i) The International Olympic Committee doesn’t allow any other organization to use the word Olympics, except for the Special Olympics.

ii) Over 4 million people from over 170 countries participate in the Special Olympics.

iii) While there is one major event, the Special Olympics is connected to over 90,000 other events globally.

 Image source: soiowa.org

iv) The Summer Olympics actually started out as a summer day camp in the home of Eunice Kennedy Shriver. The first event included garden variety morning exercises. There were around 50 people who volunteered for this day camp. Today, there are more than a million volunteers helping out the Special Olympics in over 220 sites where the games are held.

v) Special Olympics participants can be as young as eight years old. There is however, a Special Olympics Young Athletes program, where kids as young as two years of age can participate.

vi) Football and basketball are the most popular sports in the Special Olympics.

Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. -- The Special Olympics Oath

Jay Blackmore is an active participant in the projects of the Canadian Progress Club in the city of Regina. One of the organization’s projects is assisting in the Special Olympics in Canada. Discover more about Jay Blackmore and the Special Olympics by subscribing to this Twitter account.