Special Olympics

Maggie at Special Olympics May 2008

I was disappointed to hear President Obama joke about his low bowling score with a Special Olympics reference. Very disappointed. Here is a president seemingly so tuned in to groups of everyday American often forgotten or overlooked. That little slip, and it was really nothing more than that, reveals that his fine-tuning does not include the disabled.

B U M M E R.

Disabled individuals and their families are often isolated because of their situation and excluded from everyday activities. This is not out of unkindness or malice; instead, it is the reality of the disability not working with the activity. The Special Olympics provides recreation, competition, inclusion, fun, camaraderie and entertainment for thousands and thousands of disabled individuals all over the world. Without Special Olympics, these individuals would continue to be excluded. To quote their own website

Dignity, acceptance, and a chance to reach one’s potential – these are human rights worth promoting for everyone. Since 1968, Special Olympics has been bringing one message to the world: people with intellectual disabilities can and will succeed if given the opportunity. (http://www.specialolympics.org/What_We_Do.aspx)

Can the children compete with athletes who are not disabled? Generally, no. Are there exceptions to that? Of course.

Power wheelchair race

But here is a newsflash: that is not the point. The point is to provide healthy competition and fun in an environment that works in the disabled world, not in the typical world. By doing this the Special Olympics raises awareness and opens doors for acceptance. They are, in their own words, “Creating a World of Acceptance.” The success of Special Olympics is legendary.

Those making fun or making jokes about the Special Olympics have not opened their heart and minds to the realities of the world of the disabled, the human dignity involved or the wonders of the Special Olympics. Now, it appears the President is among them. Bummer again.

President Obama has already apologized for his comment. I accept that apology on behalf of my daughter and myself. I hope that this slip will create a dialog that will remind everyone of the human beings involved in Special Olympics. Those human beings, both the athletes and the staff, are working as hard as they can to make a difference in the world in their own ways. That should be applauded, not ridiculed.

Take a moment today to consider those involved in Special Olympics. Contribute something if you can. It doesn’t have to be money. It can be time and, probably most important of all, it can be respect.

Stop making fun of it and you just might learn something.