User:Rjaco036/Special Olympics Awareness

History

Since 1968 Special Olympics has been transforming lives and perceptions from a backyard summer camp for people with intellectual disabilities to a global movement. The world began to shift for the better, for millions of people with developmental disabilities fifty years ago — and for all who love them. In the 1960s, developmentally disabled children and adults stayed in the darkness of society. They'd been locked in households or institutions. They were not given the opportunity to go to school, to work or to play. No-one was encouraging them to be part of the community. Tragically, their developmental disabilities were overlooked. In a cycle of abuse and misery children and adults were trapped; their families were burdened with social embarrassment. No one thought that this segment of the population could develop athletic and social development abilities or potentially benefit from the therapeutic effect of sport and physical activity. Few people throughout the world thought of the idea that sports could enhance their mental and adaptive growth. Whereupon, one day in July 1968, the nation had started to change. The very first Special Olympics competition for youthful people with developmental disabilities was held in Chicago's Soldier Field. Its plan was to bring a luminous — and very public — spotlight on ability, not disability. 1968 is described as a "daybreak "— the early stirring of a global movement for people with developmental disabilities. 

Who Is a Special Olympics Athlete?

Special Olympics are for people who are different. Different people have different skill sets and certain disabilities can give you just that. Whether you have a developmental disability as a child or as an adult, you qualify to compete in the Special Olympic sports. 

Impact on Participants

The impact on an athlete's life is major when participating in the Special Olympics. The athlete is able to gain motor skills and learn how to become social with their peers. Special Olympics have a positive and lasting impact on participants, their families and all those with disabilities. One of the greatest things for these athletes is that there is no age limit, all ages can participate. Not only do these participants gain a sense of achievement, whether it be the athlete them self or their family members, but they also have a chance to build relationships with so many people around them. On a day to day basis, those with disabilities aren't able to connect with common peers. Many of those whom have developmental disabilities are excluded, whereas an athlete is included and feels gratitude.