Creating a Legacy at the Special Olympics USA National Games: Student Experience
As part of an ongoing effort to mentor the next generation of health care professionals and researchers in the field of intellectual disability, this summer Special Olympics provided travel stipends to 18 graduate and health professions students to attend the first-ever Special Olympics USA National Games in Ames, Iowa. These students participated in the Research Symposium and congressional hearing held in conjunction with the Games, attended Opening Ceremonies, volunteered at Healthy Athletes screenings, and attended various sporting events. Through their participation, students gained both an academic and hands-on education about the many disparities faced by Special Olympics athletes in health care, law, education and independent living, and were able to challenge their own perceptions of the capabilities of people with intellectual disabilities.
The individual moments of truth for each of these students happened at various events during the week. Several students were particularly influenced by the speakers at the Research Symposium. As Harvard Law School student Lea Mosena commented, “I learned not only about the Games, but also about many of the larger issues that people with intellectual disabilities face, such as access to affordable health care and the difficulties of implementing a potential UN treaty on disabilities.” Many students felt that the lessons they learned at the symposium would influence their career paths. Dustin Colegrove said, “After hearing about the tremendous needs of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, I aim to accept these individuals into my future medical practice.” Monica Hopkins, dietetics student at Kansas State University, added, “It gave [me] a context for a possible career focus blending nutrition and special needs populations.”
Students who volunteered at Healthy Athletes and had the opportunity to work directly with athletes were strongly influenced by this experience. As Colegrove said, “You don't truly realize the medical needs of this population until you witness [them] firsthand.” Several expressed the desire for continued involvement in Healthy Athletes. Lutoria Reichers, student of physical therapy at the University of Montana, commented, “I enjoyed working with the athletes so much that I have decided to help with Special Olympics in Montana. I guess you could say I'm now a lifer.”
Opening Ceremonies, which showcased Special Olympics athletes as announcers, entertainers and speakers, were also very profound for several students. LaTedra Collins, dentistry (DDS) candidate at the University of Missouri, summed up their feelings in this way, “Attending the Opening Ceremonies was a life-defining moment for me. It allowed me to see the ability of people with intellectual disabilities. I better understand the purpose of my research and will do it with greater compassion.”
Perhaps the experiences of the students were best summed up by the words of one student, who said, “I can't even begin to put into words the impact those short days made on my life. There is no way that a human being can sit and listen to people like Loretta or Richard or Eddie speak of their glaring disparities in health care and refuse to treat them… I made a promise to them and to myself that I would devote part of my career to serving this population. The impact of meeting them, speaking with them and hearing them was life-changing and has directed my career goals. Thank you for that.”
Return to Healthy Athletes Update, Winter 2006/2007
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