Special Olympics 2018

The Special Olympics just wrapped up in Seattle and, in case you missed it, there were some really awesome moments.  I don't have a TV so I didn't get to watch nearly enough - but there were highlights posted online that were heartwarming and inspirational and I had the opportunity to volunteer with them on Thursday.  Here's my favorite photo, thanks to the Seattle Times:

Virginia Wade, 17 year old gymnast from Seattle

This was the 50th Anniversary of the Special Olympics with athletes competing in 14 sports.  As a physical therapist, I was disappointed that I was not permitted to provide sideline coverage for any of the events, but I was still able to volunteer to help screen healthy athletes for risk of injury.  I supervised a great group of Physical Therapy Assistants students who were completing a series of balance tests for hundreds of athletes.  Other groups were screening flexibility, strength, and aerobic endurance.  Our four stations were a small part of the available resources for the athletes, all of which included collecting baseline data on these athletes and helping to provide education for them to improve in areas where they may be at risk for injury.  Competing athletes were also given the opportunity to have a dental examination, vision check, hearing assessment, health assessment for blood pressure and body mass index, and a podiatrist foot inspection.  By completing several of these stations - all for free - athletes could be provided new hearing aids, newly made glasses with proper prescriptions, dental care, referrals for physical therapy or other healthcare services and they were provided a free pair of sneakers.  All of these things were provided by sponsors which is really incredible. 

I met hundreds of athletes from at least 20 different states.  We know that about 2,000 athletes were screened during the week, and that all 50 states and Washington, D.C. were represented by athletes.  Several of the Washington (state) athletes were followed by cameras to their various stations which was cool to see them getting a little extra treatment.  Several athletes had finished their competitions and were wearing their medals.  Having personally seen Olympic Medals in the past, I was pleased at the caliber of the medals used at this event, as well.  Still so heavy!  Each athlete was also wearing a credential and usually a team jersey or Special Olympics shirt with their state listed on it.  States were trading pins with each other and collecting them.  When the Connecticut delegation came through, I was super excited to see people from my home state, and they gave me a 50th Anniversary Special Olympics Connecticut pin!

Who competes in the Special Olympics? These are athletes who have an intellectual disability which means that they have limitations in their cognitive functioning that could include delayed learning and development.  The games are an opportunity for these athletes to "demonstrate ability rather tahn disability" and, among numerous other benefits of participation, provides them with free access to healthcare, and this is one of the foundational purposes of the Special Olympics.  Washington Special Olympics will hold another Special Olympics event again in August in Everett and they'll be looking for volunteers then, too.  I encourage people to check out the Special Olympics website, find their local community page, volunteer for an event, and support this awesome group of athletes!