| October 2010-BH Special Olympics |
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It seems to be part of our human nature at times to focus on what we CAN'T do rather than what we CAN .But one local organization shows kids with special needs that they're capable of doing all kinds of things, from bowling and basketball, to soccer and swimming. That's why this month Black Hills FOX salutes Special Olympics Black Hills for its commitment to kids. Monica Burgess, secretary of Special Olympics Black Hills, says, "These are kids who want to play sports just like most typical kids want to play sports, but they don't have the opportunities other kids do, and Special Olympics gives them that opportunity, and they love it." Whether they're on the court or on the track, Special Olympians are good at showing others just how much fun a little healthy competition can be. Over the last few years, Special Olympics Black Hills has grown from about 20 participants to more than 80. Members of the organization's Board of Directors say the number of sports they're offering has grown as well.
Jack Lynass, president of Special Olympics Black Hills, says, "We've added aquatics, youth basketball, spring bowling and also soccer." Lynass says, these days, kids as young as 7 years old are taking part. Burgess says the goal is to help these young athletes stay physically active and improve their skills. She says every child and every adult participates at their own level. Burgess says, "And Special Olympics does a tremendous job of putting kids in competition together who are of similar skills and abilities. So everybody can win a gold medal. Everybody can come in first, second or third." And most importantly, everybody can be part of the Special Olympics experience. Even those who watch from the sidelines see how special it really is. Lynass says, "They're just happy to compete. They're happy to be with their friends. They don't necessarily do it to win, they just want to compete. They're just as excited when someone else wins." Burgess says, "Special Olympics is not just about learning sports; it's also about learning sportsmanship, fellowship, leadership and independence." Lynass says, "The hugs they give are so genuine. The smiles. Whenever I'm with the Special Olympics kids, with their families, there's no place any of us would rather be." The next big competition for Special Olympians in the Black Hills area is the Singles and Unified Bowling Tournament in Rapid City, coming up on October 22nd. Julie Oberlander |
