 |
|
Special Olympic athletes compete in floor hockey at the 2008 Invitational Games in Idaho (USA). (Photos by Ryan Eades) |
For Caitlin Indart, a junior at Caldwell High School in Idaho, the 2008 Special Olympics Invitational Winter Games proved to be a life-changing experience that she will not soon forget.
“I've never really known much about Special Olympics and this has really opened my eyes and given me a new perspective,” said Indart, a participant in the Special Olympics Youth Summit during the Invitational Games in Boise, Idaho. “I thought it was just an event where people competed, but now I see it is also about the athletes making new friends and being inspired to do their best at life. I don't want to go back to school; I wish I could stay with the athletes all the time. They are just so genuine and happy and awesome. I can't wait for next year!”
Indart's sentiment is one that was echoed throughout Idaho from 25-28 February as athletes from 10 countries, including Sweden, Denmark, Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, Romania, China, Lebanon and Kuwait, came to Boise for the 2008 Special Olympics Invitational Winter Games. Four Special Olympics Programs in the United States - Idaho, Montana, Washington and Rhode Island - sent athletes to compete.
The Invitational Games helped organizers test venues and systems for the much larger 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games taking place in Idaho from 6-13 February next year. More than 300 athletes competed in five sports over four days of competition at the Invitational Games as Special Olympics officials tested the operational logistics of everything from transportation and housing to volunteer operations and sports venues.
 |
|
Lighting of the Special Olympics cauldron at the 2008 Invitational Games in Idaho. |
The biggest impact from these Invitational Games was felt in the blossoming relationship between the Special Olympics athlete community and the local Idaho communities through the Host Town program. The Host Town program allows delegations from around the world to stay with local Idaho families prior to competition. The experience gives Special Olympics athletes a chance to learn more about American culture and acclimate to a new environment, and also helps the people of Idaho learn more about people with intellectual disabilities.
"I think the [Idaho] people are very kind,” said Special Olympics China floor hockey coach Yongqing Yuan, who led her team to a gold medal. “The Invitational Games were well-organized. Our athletes were well looked-after. It was very good."
 |
|
Special Olympics Alpine skier challenges the slopes at the 2008 Invitational Games in Idaho. |
German skiing coach Michael Staebler praised the Host Town experience. "It was well-organized and that was an experience to meet new people," Staebler said. "The host family was open and friendly, and they have lots of fun."
Stefan Svensson, head of Special Olympics Sweden's delegation, shared a story about one of his skiing athletes, Jonas Sorensen. “When we got to the host family's house, Jonas did not want to stay. He was nervous because he doesn't speak English and eventually he became upset to the point of tears. After 20 minutes of calming down we got him to stay. The family worked out hand signs to communicate with Jonas and he grew very comfortable and happy. On Monday, when it was time to leave, I found out Jonas had not packed his bags and did not want to leave the host family. He wanted to stay.”
Said Kirk Miles, Chief Operating Officer for the 2009 World Winter Games, “It's been a wonderful week. We came into this knowing we were going to learn lots of things. The first thing we learned, the most important thing, is that Idaho is ready to host the world."
by Ryan Eades
Learn more about the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games at www.2009worldgames.org
View 2008 Invitational Games photo gallery. |
