Lessons Learned at the Special Olympics

Friday was a banner day for my family. We took our kids to the Special Olympics. Due to poor planning on my part, only Zoe could participate, but we brought Amelia anyway – and I’m glad we took the day as a family, because it was such a day of joy and happiness, I will never forget it.

We had a wonderful time. It’s really nice to get together at an event like this, that is all about the athletes. And the kids are amazing. They were almost all totally self-sufficient, getting themselves to or set up for the competition and doing their best. Cheering crowds abounded. I was so proud of Zoe’s school! They had a pep rally and the administrator brought clappers and pompoms for us in the field and for the kids at school. Her teacher skyped in her events. A pile of cards sat in her schoolbag, from every kid at school, and a poster signed by everyone. On Monday, she was out sick but it was all the kids could talk about. Said her teacher, “She sure has a lot of friends here!”

I’m not saying this to brag, people. I’m saying this to give you hope. Here is what the Special Olympics taught me:

• Inclusion is possible – and this is what it looks likes: All the kids taking care of business, all the adults just watching and guiding. What else it looks like? The boy at the pep rally who said, “Zoe is my friend and there isn’t anything an 8 year old can do that she can’t – just in her own way.”

• Banner moment of the day: On her first event, Shot Put, a lady coordinator came up to Zoe on her 3rd try (all athletes get 3 tries for each event) and said, “Stop! It’s too dangerous!” I guess she didn’t realize she’d been practicing all spring. Meanwhile the coach shook his head “no” and let Zoe have TWO more tries. We like him!

• Strength, beauty and skill is found where you least expect it – and sometimes not at all where you are looking. Ditch expectations and go with it the endgame of letting your kid have a great day and feel good. She is excellent at throwing, but got distracted by a marker from a girl in her heat who threw VERY short, so she aimed for that – and came in last. So what? Next time, we’ll practice with markers!

• Winning doesn’t matter, enjoying the day and knowing that the people around you have your back does. Still, getting a ribbon for participating makes a nice present.

• Zoe came in second, last and last, and I’m not sure that EVERYONE gets to win is the best lesson, but there’s something so great about seeing your child accept a ribbon and pose on a podium that makes you feel good.

IT was such a happy and fun day for our family! We are so excited to get the girls involved in more Special Olympics in the near future. Swimming starts up again in January, I can hardly wait!!