Basically, I love it!
But God forbid I had an entry only 4 words long...so stick around for the explanation!
Anyway, I somehow found out about Special Olympics while I was in high school and signed up to volunteer at their Games on Long Island. Unfortunately, while I was driving there I happened to get into a car accident and wasn't able to go. I was finally able to get re-involved last year since NYU brings Special Olympics to our campus. Each spring NYU hosts the NYC Region Basketball Clinic and Competition. The clinics are held every Sunday morning at Coles Gym for two hours and conclude with the Competition which is an all day event that occurred this past weekend.
I have had such incredible experiences while volunteering with Special Olympics. Many of the athletes return year after year (and participate in multiple sports) so being able to see them again this year and strengthen our relationship was so great. I know some people think I'm crazy for waking up at 8am on a Sunday morning to go to this event every week but it is more worth it than I could ever put into words. It is such a fun and rewarding experience and I would 110% recommend that anyone look into getting involved.
Something that was pretty cool was last weekend at the Games when I was recognized for the effort I've put in at the event. I was just going to volunteer at the Games and spend the last day with the athletes (I couldn't go to the Games last year due to a death in the family so this was my first time which made it even more exciting) and I ended up coming home with great memories, lots of smiles and laughs, and even a plaque. Earlier in the season I was also invited to participate in a Youth Forum with some other college students to help eradicate the use of the R-word (retard) because of how degrading and insulting it is to an absolutely amazing group of people.
Well, that Forum was held all day today in upper Manhattan. There were participants from universities all over the country and even people from the Dominican Republic and Taiwan--we've all been involved in Special Olympics to some capacity. Essentially we were a focus group and spent the day discussing the use of the R-word, the way it is perceived, the meaning of other words that could be hurtful to certain demographics, how we could help increase awareness for people who have intellectual disabilities, the idea of volunteerism and its place in society, and also what the proper and most acceptable terminology is that should be substituted for the R-word which is completely inappropriate. The Forum was very interesting, enlightening, and an all-around great experience which I am so thrilled and honored to have been a part of. I really hope I am able to stay in contact with the people from the group because not only are they awesome people and we all got along very well but having this shared passion is a pretty cool common thread.
I'm really hoping that I can become involved with Special Olympics in an international capacity in the near future!
And, if you are interested in volunteering or just learning more about Special Olympics or the R-word cause and don't know where to turn, please don't hesitate to post a comment and I will be sure to respond! Thanks for all your support :)