Special Olympics Games we participate in and love
“Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
— Special Olympics Oath of Athletes
Athletes are athletes—those with intellectual and developmental disabilities are no exception. Every single person on this earth deserves access to quality physical activity and community through participation.
There are the Olympics and the Special Olympics—two different events because the way that people go about things physically and mentally must be respected on a level playing field. All competitive sports and sporting must be given the same recognition.
The importance of inclusion can’t be over-emphasized. People, with all their disabilities and all their abilities, need to be appreciated and respected. Athletes are athletes.
Benefits of participating in competitive sports
People who have unique intellectual and developmental challenges usually need to find different ways to do things than their neurotypical peers. These added challenges not only tend to lead to awe-inspiring, inventive new techniques but also to a drive that cannot be matched by those who haven’t conquered major adversity.
Competitive sports are well known for the positive mental and physical impacts they have like mood-enhancing dopamine release to improved hand-eye coordination and everything in between.
Multiple studies have shown that Olympic participation by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities has many positive effects on health and overall well-being, including:
Enhanced motor function
Competitive sports can help to improve strength, balance, and coordination. The focus on use of fingers, hands, facial muscles, legs and feet can consistently help to develop fine motor skills.
Maintaining healthy weight
Competitive sports effectively burn calories and build muscles while also being fun to do.
Staying at an ideal weight can keep a person physically stronger and help them avoid health complications such as hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol.
Socializing
One way of building friendships is through sports. At Stephen’s Place, we’re lucky enough to have the best personal trainers in the nation who specialize in working with people with I/DD.
Specialty Athletic Training has one of their many training facilities inside of our independent apartment community. They hold classes where our residents and Specialty Athletic Training clients participate together, socialize, and often build lasting relationships. It has proven to be an amazing way for people to get together and motivate each other to stay healthy.
Working within a team
Sports bring people together to form groups, to compete, and to cheer people on. By training for the Special Olympics in Washington State, our residents and their friends have new opportunities. The Special Olympics allows them to join teams, get outside, feel proud of accomplishments alone and together; build confidence and a strong community.
Improved concentration
Competitive sports can help with focus and concentration. This, in turn, can lead to vast improvements in critical thinking, judgment, and learning.
Special Olympics events that we participate in and love:
Some of our residents choose to compete in the Special Olympics and residents have also volunteered. We hold regular Special Olympics training for our Cheer group as well. Cheer is incredibly important to us because it gives people the opportunity to encourage others. Cheer squad members can root for friends while doing something they love and have chosen to do for themselves.
Residents of Stephen’s Place have participated in many events throughout the years. Here are some of the Special Olympics games we’ve been a part of and love:
Soccer, skiing, bowling, downhill skiing, dragon boats, basketball, bocci ball, and cheerleading.
These competitive sporting activities come with loads of benefits for participants, trainers, volunteers, and the people who cheer them on!
