Counties participated in the Indiana Special Olympics spring games here at Seymour High School on May 5th. There were over 200 participants, and about 80 volunteers. It is an inclusive event that is meant to encourage young athletes to compete in sports. It was organised by Dave Urbanski who said, “A lot of people came out to help Saturday. It was a one day event that Seymour High School had the privilege to host!” The track events were for athletes 18 and older. Special Olympics is one of the many sports that the Indiana Special Olympics host. The Indiana Special Olympics host over 20 year-round sports, training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. It is a way to get everyone involved and volunteer alongside peers to see them succeed. 

Sophomore Aidan Hiester, a volunteer, said, “There was this friendly, inviting atmosphere at the meet. All the other counties were so nice and talking to us.” It was certainly an experience for the helpers and athletes. Aidan also followed with,

Another volunteer, sophomore Allison O’brien, helped out with organizing all the participants at the awards stand and she handed out the participants their ribbons (7th-4th place) and medals (3rd-1st place). According to Allison, “The way we passed out the ribbons was by getting everyone that was in that particular event together, then we called out their names one by one, starting with 7th and working our way down. We’d give each of them a minute to let people clap.” Pictures were then taken after she had escorted them to the backdrop. Capturing the winners, the photographer snapped a picture that concluded the evening for all the volunteers and participants.

Students, volunteers, and athletes made a lot of memories that day. The Indiana Special Olympics also have a website that allows the chance to volunteer, to make donations, and to learn more information about what they envision. There is a lot to learn about the program due to the large opportunities it gives the athletes such as developing physical fitness, demonstrating courage and motivation, and gaining new experiences with their peers. It is a way to allow the rush of endorphin for every athlete competing in a sport. On May 5th all the volunteers and athletes received the opportunity to make memories and gain experiences.