Summer time comes with many wonderful things. The weather gets nice and warm. Many families are able to go on a vacation. It is a time to relax. It is also when the Special Olympics Summer Games happens! Special Olympics of Southern California will hold their games this weekend.
The Special Olympics Summer Games happen in June of every year. Children, (and adults), who have an intellectual or physical disability are able to participate in athletic competitions. The Special Olympics includes a fun and welcoming environment filled with people who understand and support the athletes.
In order to participate, a person must be at least eight years old. There isn’t an upward age limit. This means that both children and adults who have a cognitive delay, an intellectual disability, or a developmental disability can participate. The Special Olympics is for athletes who have a functional limitation in general learning or adaptive skills.
One of the nicest things about the Games is that it encourages and emphasizes participation. Every athlete who competes will be recognized. It isn’t about who won, or who came in first. Athletes are carefully placed into divisions that allow them to compete with other athletes who have a similar ability level to themselves. It is an extremely positive environment!
Each state will hold their own Special Olympics Summer Games. I live in California, and I just learned that Special Olympics of Southern California will hold the Games this weekend, on June 9 and June 10 of 2012. It will take place at the California State University in Long Beach, California. The golf events will be held at the Recreation Park Golf Course.
This year, several police officers from San Luis Obispo County, California, participated in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run. It is done to raise funds for and awareness of the Special Olympics.
Two more Torch Runs are going to happen on June 9, 2012, the day that the Summer Games will begin. Those runs will take place in Los Angeles County and San Diego County. The torches from these runs will be united into a single flame at the California State University on June 9, 2012. It is a very dramatic and symbolic way to announce that the Special Olympic Summer Games are ready to begin!
This year, there will be more than 1,100 athletes participating. Some events include: aquatics, basketball, bocce, golf, gymnastics, and track and field.
Image by Lovin’ Scoopful on Flickr