It provides a competitive and supportive opportunity for people with intellectual disabilities (ID) to participate in sports. There is a desire to win in all of us, and the Special Olympics has mastered the harmony between competition and celebrating all abilities.
We have three kids in sports and have encountered some pretty toxic situations. Special Olympics has always - every time - been a positive experience where Brett felt empowered.
Special Olympics goes beyond sports competition to foster overall wellness. Special Olympics offers fitness programs, education, and health screenings (vision, hearing, dentistry, general physical, and podiatry), to athletes who often have compromised access to health care.
Special Olympics champions the cause of inclusion. One way Special Olympics accomplishes this is through their Unified Champion Schools program. Using sport as it’s vehicle, Unified Champion Schools create a culture where students with disabilities are welcome participants and included in meaningful ways in all aspects of their school community.
Special Olympics provides community for families experiencing a unique world of challenges. What started out as giving Brett an opportunity to play basketball in 4th grade became much more. It’s not only been an avenue for networking, but also a place to work through all the feelings of being a parent (and sibling, too!) of a child with an ID.
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| Fall 2019 |
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Gold Medal for Track, Summer Games, 2019
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| Frozen 5K Fundraiser, Spring 2021 |
As I'm looking through these older pictures and remembering all the fun opportunities we've had with Special Olympics, especial prior to Covid, I have to mention a bonus reason why we love Special Olympics. Brett loves mascots and special events and with SOMN he has met Victor (Vikings) and played football with Vikings players, had a photo op with Chick-Fil-A's cow mascot, the Harlem Globetrotters, and more! These are such special moments for him!
We are getting ready to do our Frozen 5K Fundraiser again this spring. Here are the links if you would like to donate to this wonderful organization:
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