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By Donna Barman, parent
“But what is going to happen to me now?” My son, Myles, a Special Olympics Texas athlete, used to ask me this question every day when he got home from school until he was a high school graduate.
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Special Olympics athlete Myles Barman at the World Summer Games in Shanghai.
| Myles, who is competing in bowling at the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games, contracted encephalitis when he was 3. As a result, he had a closed head injury and we were advised to place him in an institution and forget him, because he would never be able to function in society. That was not an option for our family. Instead, we enrolled him in a school for children with learning disabilities.
When Myles was 8, his adaptive physical education teacher asked us if Myles could enter a Special Olympics track and field meet. My husband and I were sure Myles couldn't do it–he ran like a deer, but he wouldn't stay within his lane lines and wouldn't stop running at the finish line. However, Myles did enter the race. His success in that race and our association with Special Olympics has changed our family's lives ever since.
Special Olympics has given Myles opportunities that most athletes will never have. He has competed in the 100-mile “Hotter than Hell” cycling meet, three regular triathlons, mainstream bowling and softball leagues, and 10 different Special Olympics sports. In addition, Myles is also a Special Olympics coach for cycling and aquatics.
Myles is a truly productive part of our society. He drives his own car and has worked at Wal-mart for over 20 years. In fact, he now says his name is “Myles Wal-mart Barman.” Over the years many friends, neighbors and school teachers have told us they shop Wal-mart because they employ Myles.
Our community is wonderfully supportive. Many of our neighbors not only volunteer at Special Olympic events, but assist in fundraising. One neighbor even thanked us for moving into their neighborhood because it gave them the opportunity to get to know a person with an intellectual disability for the first time in their lives–an opportunity that opened their eyes to volunteering and being involved with Special Olympics.
Special Olympics has not only touched our immediate family's lives but also our extended family, including aunts, uncles and cousins, who attend Special Olympics events. Two cousins were meet directors for tennis one year, and a nephew asked us if he could be in Special Olympics because they have all the fun.
Through the years, Myles' experiences and associations with peers and friends in Special Olympics have enriched life. His self-esteem has improved and he has found his identity as an athlete.
When we heard another Special Olympics athlete say how Special Olympics changes lives, it struck a cord and my husband and I talked all evening–reliving how Special Olympics has changed our own athlete's life … and how Myles doesn't ask me every day any more, “But what is going to happen to me now?” We know he will always have Special Olympics.
Check out other 2007 World Games news. |
