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Home > Archive > Mar 22, 2007

Special Olympics about More than Competition
By Cortney Mathews
Sports Writer
Participants, coaches and volunteers from the Special Olympics gathered March 17 in Hurricane for a local bowling competition. Athletes competed against one another with hopes of grabbing a gold medal and qualifying for a later event in Salt Lake City March 30.
While athletes competed fiercely for the honor of advancing to state competition, it wasn't necessarily about winning and losing. The experiences gained through competition are what the athletes seek.
The overall purpose of the Special Olympics program is to build character. While participating in various events, athletes experience the joys and pains of success and defeat, Glen Bundy, area representative for the Special Olympics, said. Experiences such as these prepare them for future opportunities in life.
Athletes and volunteers appreciate the Special Olympics for various reasons. The disciplined nature of competitive sports teaches athletes lessons needed to contribute in the community.
“‘Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.’ That's the oath of the Special Olympics,” Bundy said. “Fifty-two percent of athletes that participate with us will hold jobs in the future. Those that don't participate may lack the required skills to effectively work. The Olympics trains them for life.”
While participants receive medals and recognition for their successes in Special Olympics competition, that's not the only benefit they receive. Other rewards are sometimes much more substantial.
While racing in St. George, Stacie Callahan met Thane Bristoll, another participant she was racing against. The two athletes continued their relationship beyond the Special Olympics and were married Feb. 24 in the St. George LDS temple.
Stacie Bristoll, a six-year participant in the Special Olympics, enjoys competing in several events including the shot put, relay races, snowshoeing and swimming. The Special Olympics gives individuals with disabilities a chance to compete in Olympic sports they wouldn't otherwise be able to participate in, she said.
With the continual growth and popularity of the Special Olympics, there is a constant need for volunteers willing to help with events and activities.
Connie Llewellyn, of La Verkin, a parent, volunteer and coach, serves the Special Olympics as the Head of Delegations for Hurricane City and the surrounding area. Her two sons, Shawn and Tracy, have been involved in the Special Olympics since they were 8 years old. Llewellyn has participated with the games for over 18 years.
Being a volunteer or a coach gives people an idea what it's like for these athletes to get out and actively compete instead of sitting at home and watching TV, Connie Llewellyn said.
Llewellyn's son Shawn was born 90 percent blind, with minimal strength in his legs. Her son's vision was surgically restored, yet his physical strength remained limited. While the Special Olympics develops the social skills of the participants, Llewellyn says the physical activity that her son enjoys in the games allowed him to build the strength in his legs.
“When Shawn became involved with speed ice skating, we didn't know how he'd do, but he took right off,” she said. “These kids really fight to win, and they develop physical strength while they do it. They have the best of everything because of the Special Olympics.”
In actual competition, athletes are matched up according to their skill level and disabilities. Participants can advance from local competition to state, regional, national and even international events.
Those participating in the Olympics typically celebrate their achievements with parties, get-togethers and “Victory Dances” held Friday night following state competitions. However, funding such sporting events and social activities entails monetary demands as well.
Fundraising events are frequently held to earn money for the production of activities and the transportation of athletes to events around the state. Volunteers and sponsors for the Olympics are always needed.
One fundraising event that has become popular is the Special Olympics Torch Run. As a preparatory fundraiser for the Special Olympics Summer Games, the Torch Run benefits athletes from all over Utah.
Six torches are lit simultaneously in various cities throughout the state and are then run by participating volunteers to the Summer Games in Salt Lake City. Donations can be made and volunteers are invited to help in the transportation of athletes to the Summer event.
“We wouldn't be where we are today without the help of the volunteers, coaches, and sponsors,” Thane Bristoll said.
“The Special Olympics continues to grow in Southern Utah,” Bundy said. “There was a total of seven athletes when the program first started here, and it has now grown to 208 athletes today.”
Athletes participating in events range in age. The youngest athletes involved are 8 years old, and the oldest participant is 69, Bundy said. Age doesn't really matter, it's all about self-fulfillment.
While the majority of individuals in our world today are filled with a conditional love, wanting to receive compensation or recognition for their charitable acts, Bundy said, the athletes participating in the Special Olympics are filled with an unconditional love towards each other.
“Whether athletes win or lose in competition, it's not about the medal they win,” Bundy said. “Gold, silver and bronze medals don't mean much. They're ever so thankful to be here participating. What the athletes are looking for at the end of a race is a smile and a big hug.”

For additional information on becoming a volunteer, sponsor or coach in the Special Olympics, contact Glen Bundy at 435-652-8577 or visit the Special Olympics Utah on line at www.sout.org.

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