Matthew at the 2011 Area Games

When Matthew was 10 I took him out to a Special Olympics Track practice. It wasn’t that I wanted him to run track or participate in any sports (there are a ton of sports to participate in besides track). It was just simply an opportunity to get him out and about.

Little did I know how our lives would change.

Yes, I said “our”.

Before I tell you why I think your child will love Special Olympics, let me tell you why I love it. I don’t want you to just think this is something that will benefit them. It might. But if you let it, it will bless you too.

The first day Matthew and I went, a wonderful young man named Troy just sort of took Matthew under his wing and showed him the ropes – where to go and what to do. And he introduced Matthew to people. I was worried that Matthew would get overwhelmed and not be able to handle it. And sometimes he did but he was among friends from the very start. People who accepted him unconditionally, people, athletes and coaches, who didn’t judge, only encouraged.

And inspired.

At first I just sat in the bleachers, on the edge of my seat, ready to jump in and “help” (ok, interfere) if Matthew needed me.

He didn’t.

But some of the other athletes did. Pretty soon I was guarding jackets and backpacks and helping to open water bottles.

After a few weeks I was helping to time some of the running events.

I also met other Moms and felt an an acceptance, a compassion, I had never felt, even by my most well-intentioned friends.

And when the season was over I was surprised at how much I missed it.

Matthew, his escort Ben and his Dad Steve - 2011 Area Games

Over the past 8 years we have gone from just going to practice for something to do to becoming a true Special Olympics family.

Matthew has now participated in Area Games and other track meets and the day after he graduates from High School he will participate in his 3rd State Games.

Thanks to some great insight by two Area Games Escorts Matthew has just completed his 4th year running Cross Country and Track for his high school and winning coaches awards in both. Not to mention the friendship and true respect of the other athletes.

And me?

I’m now a certified (or certifiable, depending upon how you look at it) Special Olympics Coach. I swell with pride every time one of “my” athletes competes as though they couldn’t have done it without me. The truth is, they could. But my life is so much richer because of them.

I have never known people with such courage and compassion. In our society today we toss around the term “unconditional love” with little thought to what it means.

Jesse, Troy and Garland receiving their medals - 2011 Area Games

I get it all the time. From my athletes.

Trust me, they have given me so much more than I could ever hope to give them.

So if you still wonder if you should check out Special Olympics here are just a very few reasons:

1.Get some exercise – there a ton of sports to participate in from Track to Swimming, from Basketball to Bocce and more.

2. Learn good sportsmanship – Every now and then the competitive spirit needs a little guidance.

3. Make new friends – always wonderful

4. Hang out with old friends – very special

5. Get their chance to shine – because let’s face it, they don’t get very many opportunities.

6. Be treated with honor and dignity – again, something they might not get too much of.

7. And just generally have a ton of fun – the best reason of all!

And the icing on the cake? You just might have a ton of fun, too!

Liz and Jasmine - friendly competitors! 2011 Area Games

For more info check out the Special Olympics Website.

And while you’re at it, check out Spread the Word to End the Word and help us eliminate the r-word!