Joey and The Special Olympics
The motto for the Special Olympics is:
“Let me win. But if I can not win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
The Special Olympics was started in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver. It has grown to over 5 million athletes in 172 countries and now my Joe is included in that number. They have Special Olympic World Games every two years and since 2015, they have finally been broadcast as part of ESPN’s daily coverage. In 2013, they held the first summit for “ending the cycle of poverty and exclusion for People with Intellectual Disabilities” at the games in Korea. The number of individuals with disabilities that live below the poverty line is staggering, with so many not being exposed to any kind of education. All are welcome to compete.
Special Olympics has a lot of star power and raises millions of dollars every year. One of their largest benefactors is The Law Enforcement Torch – which we were able to witness at the opening ceremonies. It involves Police Chiefs, FBI, State Troopers, Cadets and prison guards amongst so many different factions of law enforcement. They raise awareness and money for this very special cause and announced during our ceremonies that they had raised over 2 million dollars this past year! One more reason to be thankful for those who protect us and another of the many ways they serve our communities. Although the games are free to all who participate, the burden is still on the local chapters to prepare the athletes and be able to get there.
Joe’s Experience with Track
Three years ago Joey went to his first local Special Olympics for Track & Field. First at Somers High School and the last two years at West Point with the cadets volunteering their time and cheering on the athletes.
This year was the first time Joe was invited to the State Special Olympics. I am a mom who always emphasized exercise and competitive sports with all my kids. It helps in so many areas of life. For people with Down Syndrome, obesity and cardiovascular disease is a problem. As they approach the age of 40, 30% of adults with DS will start to show signs of dementia and/or Alzheimer’s. This is a fact that scares the hell out of me. Physical activity can improve memory and slow down mental decline as well as prevent health problems. For all those reasons and the social interaction, the Special Olympics is so important for young adults like Joe and so many others with different abilities.
Joey has had the pleasure of being able to participate on our high school track team. From what I have heard from other friends around Westchester, that is not the case in all schools. Track is one of the few sports that can welcome and include all individuals because of its structure.
They Have Never Practiced on a Track?
While having a discussion with Joe Bellini, one of the people who run North East Special Rec and their Special Olympic team, I was learned that our Olympians have never been able to practice on a real track. That took me a few minutes to understand … it just didn’t make sense. What the heck do they do? The only time they had been on a real track is during the qualifying time trials and the actual competition. They have never been able to practice running in a lane or jumping in an actual sandpit for the long jump. When and if they can get gym space, they practice the best they can on a hardwood floor. I asked Joe why and this was his response …
“The reason it is so hard to get school space for our programs is that they have their own students to provide for, especially during sports seasons. Also, in a time of budget tightening, they have to look for sources of income and we, as a non-profit, do not have the resources some of these private agencies we are competing for space with have. There is always someone out there that can pay more for a space than we can.”
I told him that I would get a track for him. I knew that in Valhalla if I asked our athletic director if these athletes could practice at our facilities, he would say yes. Not only did he say yes, he very enthusiastically said that he would try to get one of our coaches and some of our varsity track members to help out with our special Olympians. We were able to accommodate North East for the dates they requested.
And So …
On a beautiful sunny afternoon, some very special students and an amazing coach helped some very special athletes get ready for their big day. I had to keep doing laps around the track because every time I stopped to watch, the tears came. It did my heart good! I knew my little man felt special because everyone knew him and as any mom would do, I reacted emotionally.
Joe has always been a part of both worlds, but this is the first time his ‘typical’ friends were actually seeing a little glimpse into what it was like in Joe’s world. These Valhalla kids really embraced the special athletes, enthusiastically cheered everyone on and I could feel the love. Joe’s team ranged from ages 17 to 61. They weren’t just teenagers like themselves, they are adults who have all different abilities, not just Down Syndrome.
It can be overwhelming if you don’t understand their needs, but I saw no confusion, just inclusion, and camaraderie. I was so proud of the kids as they followed the lead of their coach, also a special ed teacher in Bronxville. They just embraced the spirit of the moment.
It is my hope this will become a tradition that will be continued for years to come and further the life lesson of acceptance and inclusion with a real hands-on situation. Who knows what doors will open or who will decide to be more involved? Maybe somebody will even become a special ed teacher. What I do know, is that an impression was made and eyes were opened – a lesson in empathy.
The Special Olympics at Siena College
The opening ceremonies start with a parade just like any other Olympics. The different teams hold their banners proudly, while the participants walking behind wave to the crowds. Some are looking for their families and others waving to everyone in the crowd. There are a lot of stars in the sky and even more parading into the stadium. This is a prideful moment. Everyone is standing and cheering for every person who parades by and some, like my little man, is giving high 5’s to everyone on the fringe of the crowd.
If I had to guess, there must be at least 1000 participants. Each group is introduced as they enter the track and the crowd is standing and cheering for all the athletes. Dignitaries give speeches and we are all waiting for the tradition that officially starts the games. All different forms of law enforcement parade on and around the field with their motorcycles and police cars. The sirens are blaring and helicopters are doing a fly by. Then the gentleman carrying the torch enters the field. He surrounded by State Troopers who run with him right up to the coveted Olympic Torch.
It is a momentous occasion for these athletes and everyone in the crowd.
In all of our minds, if we closed our eyes, we could be in Rio de Janeiro for the summer games. The ceremonies come to a close with an amazing firework show that is greeted by cheers of delight by most – but hands over their ears by mine.
The competition is just as it would be at any other track meet. The difference is that there could be 20-year-olds running against athletes 50 and up. They have time trials that put the participants in races with other competitors that have similar strengths or similar times for their particular race. There is definitely “the thrill of victory” but I didn’t see any agony in defeat. They are just happy to be there and in some cases, happy to have crossed the finish line. I didn’t see any fears, just excitement to meet the challenge. It is a day of pride for all!
The awards are different depending on the place and the participants are perfectly aware, but it is all good and they are happy just to hear their name announced and their accomplishments rewarded. Everyone here should get a medal or a ribbon just because of the hurdles they had to jump over to even be here. How they have to fight for everything they have ever achieved. Nothing comes easy here. Every step by these athletes has been hard-earned and obstacles most cannot imagine have been overcome. Crossing the finish line is a victory no matter what place they come in.
Keeping the Dream Alive
Could you imagine if he ever made it to world games? I had hoped for those spectacular moments from my other 4 who competed through their high school careers. We experienced some very exciting moments of victory. They never reached the pinnacle of success I had hoped to witness, but those competitions are amongst my favorite memories. I thought when Isabella graduated from high school that my cherished years of watching my children compete meaningfully had ended. I could not have been more wrong.
God works in mysterious ways! I, who have fought and fought for people to not underestimate my child, had underestimated my child. A few years ago, Joey could barely cross the finish line in a 100m race. This past year, he has taken 7 seconds off his time. I can still dare to dream and maybe it will be the kid I least expected who will reach that milestone! But if he can not get there, let him be brave in the attempt. I will be so proud of him, as I am all my kids no matter what.
THE END …
Thank you so much for joining me on another Sunday! I appreciate the love I get every week and would be so grateful if y’all subscribed so I could expand my horizons and do more good. Every Sunday, you will get an email with my latest story – and nothing more!
Last but not least, please pray for all the defenseless, innocent children in our country and all over the world.
Much Love Always!
Sandy
#enlighten #empower #inspire #educate
