The Meaning of “Special” in the Olympics World Games
As the 2015 Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles have begun, I am overcome by the many images of courage, triumph, success and joy. What a great honor it is to represent yourself, your family and your country. With 6,500 athletes and 2,000 coaches representing 165 countries, along with 30,000 volunteers and an anticipated 500,000 spectators, the 2015 Special Olympics World Games is the largest sports and humanitarian event this year. So, what is it about the Special Olympics that makes it so “special”?
We recently attended the California Dreaming – Host City event for the delegates from Cuba and the Czech Republic at the CBS Studio Lot in Studio City, CA. This event was filled with athletes, coaches and support families for both countries, as well as food, drinks and entertainment. Overall, the event was great and proved to be the best taste of the city that the delegates got before the games began. In and of itself, there was more than enough proof as to why the Special Olympics are so “special”. However, it was an interaction that I had with two gentlemen (pictured below) that changed my night and my whole outlook on what makes the Special Olympics so wonderful.
The gentleman to the left is Herbert Jefferson Jr. He is an actor that has starred in roles such as, Battlestar Galactica, Apollo 13 and Outbreak. However, according to him, “Acting is what I do, this [Special Olympics volunteering] is who I am”. What a powerful sentiment, and one that he has definitely supported with action. As he mentioned to me, this year marks his 42nd year volunteering with the Special Olympics. He has participated on every level imaginable and does so because of the beautiful simplicity of those he affects. “The athlete’s love what they do and their interaction with you. It warms my heart each time I have another encounter”. He then proceeded to introduce me to the Czech Republic Coach, who is a brilliant man himself. He has coached for over 2 decades and trains athletes in over 5 events. He thanked me for speaking with him, being welcoming to his athletes and supporting the games. We spoke for about 15 minutes in total and ended our conversation as more of long lost friend, rather than stranger who have just met. Oh, and English was definitely not his first language, though you would never know it from hearing him speak. You could tell that he not only learned multiple languages, but also took great pride in being proficient in them.
It was then that it completely hit me. I know exactly what it is that makes the Special Olympics so very special.
Throughout the remainder of that night and the days following that led up to the Opening Ceremony, I went out of my way to connect with the delegates I came across on a deeper level. Many of them had never been out of their town or state, let alone the country. Most, if not all, had huge aspirations for the games, as well as their life as a whole. It was quite beautiful to see their eyes light up when the conversation went beyond a simple hello. How simple, yet beautiful. After all, the Cuban delegates were making history. Had these games been just a year sooner, there would be no representation present. The Special Olympics is all about what is still right and beautiful in the world. Companionship, support, sportsmanship, unity and celebration all embody the very essence of the Special Olympics World Games. It’s not all about winning and losing, though the athletes are definitely trying to win, but rather the connection and elevation of humanity that is taking place with every event, every day and with every athlete.
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