Photo By Sgt. William Waterstreet | Connor Smith, a Special Olympics athlete from Yuma, Ariz., practices swimming at...... read more read more
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YUMA, Ariz. - The Olympians on NBC are not the only competitors of their type. For the past 28 years, Yuma, Ariz., has been host to some amazing athletes, the athletes of the Special Olympics.
The Special Olympics is an organization that, from its inception, has sought to provide people with special needs a better quality of life. The goal of the Special Olympics is to help individuals with intellectual disabilities to be healthy, productive and respected members of society through year-round sports training, competitions, and support programs.
“We want to empower everyone with an intellectual disability,” said Lisa Ball, the river area director for Special Olympics Arizona and a native of Yuma. “We want to show them they can do it, that they don't have to be stuck inside, that they can get out there.”
The organization focuses on providing opportunities that normally wouldn't be present for disabled people.
“(Xzavier) wouldn't have been able to participate in sports without this program,” said Bianca Frost of her son Xzavier, who is an athlete and a resident of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. “It's great for our family. Our son doesn't feel like he has to try too hard to be like everyone else. He is very accepted.”
“We give them a place to go where they feel comfortable, where no one is going to judge them,” added Ball. “This builds the opportunity to bring friends and family together.”
There is a wide array of sports offered for athletes, rotating as the seasons turn. Swimming is the most popular during the current summer heat.
Outside athletic events, the Special Olympics benefit the athlete’s personal lives.
“Xzavier has really opened up socially since starting with the Olympics,” said Frost.
“They are happier, healthier, more productive, and have a sense of accomplishment,” stated Ball. “Of the athletes who participate, 50 percent are employed. Only 10 percent of disabled people who don't participate in the Special Olympics have jobs.”
Though the Special Olympics began as only sporting events, it has grown to be so much more; from providing support to families with disabled individuals, to becoming the foundation for a community of friendships, to providing equipment, medical and dental care, and mentoring to the athletes, the Special Olympics works daily to make the world brighter for those in need.
“The partners on my team are more than just my teammates, they are my friends,” said Ronny Jones, a Special Olympics athlete.
While the Special Olympics exist for the benefit of those with disabilities, the benefits extend to those who volunteer their time and money for the cause as well.
“I've never worked with anyone who has a disability until now,” said Ball. “The experience is so rewarding for me, the coaches, the volunteers and the athletes.”
“Nothing can truly compare with the warm fuzzies that I get being in the midst of these brave, marvelous athletes,” added Sandy Ahlers, a Special Olympics donor and volunteer.
The Special Olympics began July 19, 1968 when Eunice Kennedy Shriver, appalled at the treatment of disabled people in society, brought together more than 1,000 athletes for the first International Special Olympics Games at Soldier Field in Chicago.
The games have continued since then, with events taking place every day, and more than 4,000,000 athletes participating. The Special Olympics World Games travels around the world in much the same way the traditional Olympics does. These games occur every two years.
On the smaller scale, the Special Olympics puts together local events, at no cost to participants, for athletes who do not dedicate their lives to a sport, but still want to enjoy the competition. Special Olympics Arizona is one of these organizations.
The Special Olympics Arizona maintains a branch in Yuma that serves more than 400 individuals with disabilities, and they are looking to expand.
“There are many people out there who have not come out yet,” said Ball. “Getting the military involved is huge for us.”
The Special Olympics is always welcome for anyone who wishes to donate or volunteer. They can be reached at 1-800-289-4946 or www.specialolympicsarizona.org.
As a brother to a Special Olympics athlete, I can say I have never seen my sister happier or more proud of her accomplishments than when she stood with her medals for swimming around her neck. The volunteers and organizers of the Special Olympics provide disabled people with the same opportunities most of us take for granted. They deserve our help and support for the blessed work they have committed to.
| Date Taken: | 08.22.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 08.22.2012 19:37 |
| Story ID: | 93654 |
| Location: | YUMA, ARIZONA, US |
| Web Views: | 188 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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