The Special Olympics constantly brings hope and inspiration to all those around. In high school, I helped out at our local Special Olympics and it was always one of my favorite things I did. The athletes constantly surprised me with their motivation and were always excited and proud, inspiring and putting smiles on all of our faces when we left.
The 2015 World Games were no different. They were held in Los Angeles and ran from July 25th to August 2nd, featuring about 6,500 athletes. As the closing ceremonies came, the Flame of Hope still burns brightly and we are left with moments we will never forget. Here are a few I’ll always remember.
Opening Ceremonies.
Let’s start at the beginning. The opening ceremonies were absolutely beautiful and a perfect representation to kick things off. First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama gave an inspiring speech to the athletes and declared the official start of the games. Many celebrities were present, including Stevie Wonder, Avril Lavigne, Nicole Scherzinger, and former Special Olympics athlete and current Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles. Justin Bieber walked in with Team Canada, while Olympians Michelle Kwan and Michael Phelps carried in the Special Olympics flag. The teams did not carry in their countries flags, but wore standout colors instead, to convey the unity theme.
Eight-year-old walks across finish line.
Billy Matthew, an 8-year-old with cerebral palsy, showed an amount of courage that many wish they could possess. As he is completing the final leg of a triathlon, he ditches the walker to finish on his own. A few stumbles here and there, he crosses the finish line. Watch the clip and try not to get chills and/or cry.
The Peale Project.
This is not a certain event, but a
movement. Athlete Tom Peale received a camera when he was eleven and fell in love with photography. The passion he had for this lets athletes
look at the games through a different lens. Local athletes get a chance to
embrace their photography passion by
taking pictures at the games with the aid
of professional photographers. After spending so much time competing, the
athletes get the chance to experience a different side of the games and show
the world more of what they can do. This project emphasizes what the Special
Olympics is all about; acceptance and inclusion.
Breast cancer fighter victorious.
24-year-old Olivia Quigley
has overcome a lot in her life, but there was one she still really wanted to
do. She was diagnosed with autism at the age of three and was told she would
not be able to be independent. But she lives on her own, has a full-time job,
and is a public speaker for the Special Olympics. In February she found out she
was invited to compete in these World Games, but it came with some bad news;
she also found out she was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. She was not
going to let her cancer stop her from competing and wanted to be a role model
to all girls fighting cancer; she wanted to win gold for every woman with
breast cancer. On the day of the 100m competition, Quigley was not feeling
great but found the courage to run. Although she felt tired and depressed
before, that all was left at the start because she finished with a time of
16.76 seconds and claimed the gold. Olivia showed that neither cancer or a disability
can stop her or anyone.
"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." While it always feels good to win, these athletes are not all about the winning and taking home the most medals. They have goals they want to accomplish. Some of these athletes weren't expected to live past a certain age, some may have been told they wouldn't be able to walk, or accomplish certain things. But they came to the games, they competed and they inspired everyone.
And that was my favorite moment.
