Special Olympics

On Sunday, August 30, 2009 I had the opportunity to assist in the Dominica Special Olympics. It was an extreme treat to be part of the event since I have not partaken in volunteering at Special Olympics before. It was even more special yet sad, this year because the founder of the Special Olympics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, passed away on August 11, 2009. In her honor during the open ceremony we shared in a moment of silence to show our respects.

During the open Ceremony, a man from Guadeloupe who is involved with Special Olympics in all of the Creole Speaking Eastern Caribbean Islands: Dominica, Martinique, Guadeloupe, and St. Lucia, presented different items he had gathered to the different areas the athletes came from. The Special Olympics were for all individuals with physical or mental disabilities throughout the whole island. There were four separate groups: Roseau (The Capital), Portsmouth (In the North), Carib Territory, and one more area that I am completely blanking on. After the official march of the athletes it was time for the Games to BEGIN!
There were around 30 athletes that represented the physical or mentally disabled individuals of the island. They competed in different track and field events such as: 50, 100, and 200 meter run and walk and a relay race. After an amazing typical Creole Lunch, the athletes were re-energized and competed in standing long jump, softball throw, and a team event of Bocce Ball.

The weather was amazing and the rain held off until the very end of the day which is GREAT for Dominica. It was a true blessing to see the joy on the athlete’s faces when they ware their ribbons or medals with pride. My little Judy said to me “Look Me… Look my ribbons.” Judy has a physically disability in her legs and hips which makes it difficult for her to run and jump. Judy is very witting, determined, book smart, and has a look in her eyes that melts your heart. The goal of the Special Olympics is to have everyone feel and be a winner at the end of the day. Since the athletes train with coaches prior to the event, the coaches have an understand of the different skill levels. The Coaches will place them in appropriate “heats” so the races are close and nobody is being blown out of the water!

At the end of all of it, my heart leaped with Joy knowing these athletes that may be looked down on, mocked, made fun of or just face every day challenges had THEIR day. Their day of Joy, their day of feeling special, their day of interacting with individuals who understood a little more, their day of SUCCESS, their day of being LOVED for who they are!!

Click HERE to see pictures from the event!