By Courtney Tillett, Staff Writer
Boundaries: a factor that limits us, but also a factor that some people see as an extra push toward success – a checkpoint to keep on moving past and toward your goals. The Special Olympics does just this. It recognizes individuals’ boundaries and helps participants exceed them and realize that having a disability does not hold them back.
“People should focus on their abilities and not their disabilities,” said Kathleen Morgan, co-coordinator of the Dare County Special Olympics. “I believe that everybody just has different abilities than someone else.”
Dare County Special Olympics will take place Saturday (April 29) from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the FFHS football field. The games will open with a motorcycle ride around the track by The Fraternal Order of the Eagles, and then a torch ceremony.
Junior Cecilia Cortez is an annual volunteer for the event. Due to her involvement with Special Olympics, she has been able to see a different side of many of the participants.
“Before Special Olympics, I didn’t really think that (the athletes) were as capable as they actually are, but they are just as capable as any human being,” Cortez said. “All they want is to be treated the same way as someone who doesn’t have special needs.”
The Special Olympics’ mission is to provide sports training and athletic competition in a variety of sports for children and adults with disabilities in Dare County, showing its members and volunteers that they are stronger than the things that hold them back.
“I love to see them improve because I would say that most of the swimmers on the team are better swimmers than people at our high school,” Cortez said. “Also, just having conversations with them, because they are so funny.”
This program is not only about providing opportunities for those with a passion for sports; it is also about fostering relationships between volunteers and athletes.
“If you become friends with them, they will be your friend for life. They won’t push you aside because you are having a bad day or because you were too busy to talk to them that day, because they know that you are their friend and they will love you all the time,” Morgan said. “I’m telling you, they are just such good people. If you just take the time to know them, they’re wonderful people.”
Not only does Special Olympics contribute to participants’ athletic abilities, but it also helps them to build confidence and overcome everyday obstacles.
“All of the athletes are just amazing,” Cortez said. “They’re all so funny and they’re really fun to get to know, and I would honestly consider them as some of my friends because when we go there we have a fun time. It’s not just about doing your sport, it’s also about building bonds and becoming friends with the athletes and making sure that the athletes are friends. It’s just like good vibes all around.”
Sophomore Courtney Tillett can be reached at tillettco1214@daretolearn.org.
