Confidence, skill and determination are common benefits of involvement with sports. Sometimes, athletes can even get a little boastful – like marathon runner and former Special Olympics athlete Billy Quick: “You might be able to out-read me, but I can out-run you!”
The Power of Sports. Given the opportunity, many people with intellectual disabilities become passionate participants in a variety of sports. See the slideshow.
For people with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics is often the only place where they have an opportunity to participate in their communities and develop belief in themselves. Many live lives of neglect and isolation, hidden away or socially excluded from full participation in schools or society. For athletes, Special Olympics sports provide a gateway to empowerment, competence, acceptance and joy.
The Power of Sport
Special Olympics Ireland athlete Oliver Doherty learned to play golf from his father, picking up new skills and gaining confidence and self-esteem. In addition to winning medals in Special Olympics competitions, he, along with Special Olympics athlete Kevin Erickson, competed with professional golfers in a match that aired on CBS-TV. Watch a video about Oliver.
The lessons learned in Special Olympics also impact their life skills. Sports training enhances focus and gives participants a structure for learning important lessons about perseverance, endurance and setting goals. Many people are surprised to know that more than half (52 percent) of adult Special Olympics athletes in the United States are employed, half of those in competitive employment.
A Runner's Inspiring Story
Athlete Loretta Claiborne’s story may be one of the most inspiring. As a young person, she was told that her future would be in an institution. After discovering Special Olympics, Loretta became a long-distance runner … and she hasn’t stopped since. Over her career, she competed in 25 marathons – twice finishing in the top 100 women runners in the Boston Marathon. The Women in Sports Hall of Fame inducted her as a member, and Runner's World magazine named her Special Athlete of the Quarter Century. Loretta speaks four languages and holds honorary doctorate degrees – the first person with intellectual disabilities known to receive such honors. Her life was the basis for Disney film, “The Loretta Claiborne Story”. In 1996, she received the coveted Arthur Ashe Award for Courage.
These are towering achievements, by any standards. Not all Special Olympics athletes are like Billy and Loretta, but each one takes away from the experience a newly found voice, a sense of accomplishment and a joy of friendship. Special Olympics provides every person with intellectual disabilities a place of welcome, acceptance and the chance to be their best.
Unified on the Playing Field
Special Olympics Unified Sports is a unique sporting experience that unites people with and without intellectual disability on the playing field. Competing side by side leads to great understanding and acceptance by peers without disabilities, but also improved social skills and confidence for the athletes with intellectual disabilities – not to mention long-lasting friendships that extend into the classroom and the community.