Spotlight On Special Olympics In Our Community

“Special Olympics is a global movement that unleashes the human spirit every day around the world through the transformative power and joy of sport,” shared Nicole Preston, President & CEO of the local DC metro area office. She continued to say, “most of the sports programs offered are part of the Special Olympics DC Unified Champion Schools. This program is aimed at promoting social inclusion through intentionally planned and implemented activities.” Students with intellectual disabilities attend these schools where the climate is such that they feel welcome and included in all activities and events.

Special Olympics provides opportunities for disabled residents from the age of eight through adulthood to participate in competitive sports arenas. Every chapter around the world offers different programs. The Summer games were inaugurated in 1968, with the Winter games starting in 1977. In Washington, DC athletes can choose from Winter Sports like bowling, basketball, and speed skating. Summer Sports include golf, bocce ball, tennis, flag football, soccer, volleyball, and track and field events. What people are most unaware of is that the programs are 100% free for all participants. The goal is to eliminate all barriers so these athletes can participate in any sport. Special Olympics DC covers the costs for everything from coaching, uniforms, equipment, travel, lodging, training spaces like ice rinks, gym rentals, greens fees, tracks and more. Of course, monetary donations are never abundant enough. People can contribute in the smallest way, as every bit helps. They will always accept donations of new and lightly used equipment for any sport. “Special Olympics is world-wide, so people assume that we don’t need help,” said Ms. Preston.

Because many people work in the district but do not live in DC it can often make finding volunteers one of the most difficult parts of her job. People with flexible work schedules, who might be retired and are available during the day are ideal. Unfortunately, many of the sporting events are held on weekends and once people leave work on Friday’s they don’t want to come back to the city to volunteer. There are a wide range of ways people can help the cause. Whether they help for an afternoon, one event, or a lifetime, they are valuable to the organization and to its success.

They are a lean staff of eight in the office. Preston shared, “We can always use help with data entry, office tasks, preparing mailings, serving on committees for fundraising or event planning, setting up and breaking down the activities, timing races or keeping score at a sporting competition. We’re constantly seeking dedicated, motivated coaches to guide the athletes.” Residents and homeowners in communities such as yours can adopt an athlete, a team, or offer to assist on so many levels.

Events occur year-round. The “Polar Pool Plunge,” took place in February. This was a fundraising event where participants “take the plunge” in above-ground pools to show your support of Special Olympics DC athletes. Summer Games begin in May. October is the annual Law Enforcement 5K run and fundraiser. They round the year out with the December gala called “The Night of Trees.” These are staple programs to help fundraise for athletes at the local, state, national and world level arenas.

Traditionally Special Olympics does not hold the larger attended events in the same year as the summer and winter international modern Olympic Games. The games are held every two years, alternating with Summer and Winter Games. The Special Olympics World Winter Games were hosted by Sweden in February 2020. The USA National Summer Special Olympic Games were very recently held in San Antonio, Texas April 30, 2020 - May 3, 2020.

Regardless of where the events are located, your community can embrace neighbors with intellectual challenges and disabilities. To learn more about volunteering and supporting Special Olympics DC, visit their website www.SpecialOlympicsDC.org.