It’s a rarity these days, watching ESPN and feeling like I’m actually getting something other than unnecessary sports drama or a story that’s been retold 20 times, only to be told the same each time. Last week was much different. While channel surfing I ran across the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics World Games covered by ESPN. Athletes that are involved with the Special Olympics came from all across the globe to compete in different disciplines in sports in order to obtain medals. The end goal might have been to win a medal, but there was much more to this event than the jewelry around the necks of those that placed. It takes a very small amount of time to realize that just being a part of the event put a smile on the face of not only the competitors but also their family and supporters. It was a life-changing week for everyone involved and ESPN giving these events the chance to be broadcast was a class move by a network that’s received quite a bit of heat over the summer. With the decision to show the World Games, I’m hoping that it brings more attention to the Special Olympics here locally. Throughout my youth I had privilege of attending quite a few Special Olympics basketball games. My dad and I would head over to Washington Elementary to enjoy a doubleheader of basketball action. The older I grew the more the games would mean to me. I’d walk into the gym knowing that for three hours I was going to get more out of the experience than what even I could imagine. I would leave inspired and motivated. That’s not to say they weren’t taking full advantage of their opportunities. Occasionally we get the chance to see these athletes compete at halftime of varsity basketball games in the winter. The excitement they show in a crowded gym is the same excitement they would show in a gym of 30 people. The love of the game and the camaraderie they have with not only their teammates, but the team they are competing against is contagious. The sportsmanship shown is something refreshing in today’s world of sports. With the basketball season just a few months away, I encourage you to find the time to attend a game or two. If basketball isn’t your cup of tea, there are other events that they compete at through the year and I’m sure a phone call would take care of finding a schedule for the upcoming season of those events. You’re guaranteed to not only make an impact on them, but you will leave impacted yourself. It’s an experience from my childhood I’ll never forget and I can’t wait to share it with my son in the coming years.
