On Feb. 28 more than 20 schools showed up with their athletes to compete in the annual Special Olympics here at South. Kids from the ages of 6-21 showed up ready to have fun and play some basketball.
300 South students signed up to set up the event or be a buddy to an athlete. Clubs also set up tables around Gym B (Victory VIllage) filled with fun games and activities such as soccer, face painting, and science experiments. This is junior class secretary Jenny Nelson’s second time being in charge of the event.
¨I would say the event went as well as it could go. On a scale of 1-10 I would say 9. I think this year we tried to be more streamlined because we had already done it and we were much more organized,¨ said Nelson.
Special Olympics gives kids with disabilities a chance to compete in sports that are usually inaccessible to them and to socialize with their peers. The Special Olympics organization started in 1968 with a backyard summer camp for people with intellectual disabilities and have grown into a world-wide inspiration that plans Special Olympics days for schools all over the world. South students connected with their athlete, took them to their basketball games, and followed them around Victory Village.
Sophomore Jayden Beck was a buddy at this year’s Special Olympics.
¨I wanted to become a buddy because sometimes kids with special needs need extra help but don’t get to participate in sports and other activities,” said Beck. “My athlete was very outgoing, bold and had a personality. She was very kind, caring and open-hearted. She really liked the event and had fun.¨
Depending on age and ability athletes were assigned game times and teams to compete with. While waiting for their games athletes could explore the Victory Village which was located in Gym B or they could have some pizza at lunch.
¨We went to Victory Village and we both got our faces painted. We also played dribble-and-shoot basketball. We ate pizza for lunch. Overall it was a really fun day and I think all the kids really liked it,¨ said Beck.
Even if you don’t want to directly interact with the kids you can be a part of the planning committee.
¨As a committee member I helped plan the event as well as set it up and take it down, so it’s always a good opportunity to help out the community and be a part of something that is bigger than yourself,¨ senior Carter Lewandowski said
Although Special Olympics this year went on without any major issues, sophomore Caroline Nozaki and other buddies say they have some advice and tips if you’re planning on being a buddy next year or helping out at any Special Olympics events.
¨My piece of advice is if you’re ever getting frustrated remember that they are just kids that want to have fun for a day, so try to be understanding and helpful for them,¨ said Nozaki. ¨Also make sure you’re staying engaged throughout the event and not being on your phone.
Nozaki spoke about the importance of the Special Olympics and the torch lighting to start the event off.
¨I really liked the Opening Ceremony because it made the event feel really special, and a lot of the kids were really excited,¨ said Nozaki. ¨Also we got to say the athlete oath with an athlete from the event, which I thought was cool.¨
At the end of the event every athlete got their own medal and left the gym with big smiles on their faces.
¨If you like helping kids and you want a good volunteer opportunity that’s a lot of fun then definitely consider volunteering for Special Olympics next year!¨ said Nozaki
